Yamamoto Masao

Kawa=Flow #1693, 2021

Yamamoto Masao Biography Yamamoto Masao, born in 1957 in Gamagori City, Japan, is a renowned contemporary photographer celebrated for his poetic and intimate approach to capturing the essence of the natural world and the human experience. His work has garnered international acclaim for its delicate and evocative qualities. Yamamoto Masao’s career has been defined by a distinctive aesthetic characterized by small, handcrafted prints that he often treats as individual objects, underscoring his art's tactile and tangible nature. Over the years, Yamamoto Masao has become a prominent figure in the world of fine art photography, with a body of work that transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries. Yamamoto Masao’s artistic journey began to unfold as he developed a keen interest in photography. He pursued formal education in the arts, and his early exposure to traditional Japanese aesthetics and philosophy left an indelible mark on his photographic sensibilities. This background, coupled with Yamamoto Masao’s exploration of Zen Buddhism, heavily influences the meditative and contemplative qualities that characterize his later work. Yamamoto Masao’s photographic process is characterized by meticulous craftsmanship and a deep connection to his subjects. Yamamoto Masao often employs alternative printing techniques, creating small prints that he then manipulates through toning, painting, or distressing processes. The physicality of the prints, combined with their small size, invites viewers to engage intimately with each image. Many liken Yamamoto’s photographs to haikus. Yamamoto's process is a deliberate departure from the conventional, emphasizing the individuality and uniqueness of each photograph as an object of contemplation. Yamamoto Masao has been associated with various publications and collaborations, contributing to the dissemination of his distinctive photographic vision. Some of his notable books include A Box of Ku, a collection of small, finely crafted prints in a wooden box, and Small Things in Silence, showcasing his nuanced observations of the natural world. Some of his other monographs include, Tori (Radius Books, 2016), Poems of Santoka (Galerie Vevais, 2016), KAWA=Flow (Kochuten Books, 2011), YAMAMOTO MASAO (21st Editions, 2011), Fujisan (Nazraeli Press, 2008), é (Nazraeli Press, 2005), Omizuao (Nazraeli Press, 2003), Santoka (Harunatsuakifuyu Sousho, Japan, 2003), and The Path of Green Leaves (Nazraeli Press, 2002). Yamamoto Masao’s work has been exhibited extensively in solo and group exhibitions worldwide, showcasing his ability to create a contemplative and immersive experience for viewers. Yamamoto Masao photographs are found in prestigious collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Yamamoto's presence in international museums underscores the universal appeal and enduring significance of his distinctive approach to photography, where each image becomes a poetic meditation on the transience of life and the beauty found in fleeting moments.