Nobuyoshi Araki (*1940) is one of the most influential contemporary Japanese artists. His works attract attention and controversy far beyond the classical photographic public.

On the occasion of his 80th birthday and created in close cooperation with Araki, the exhibition ARAKISS will show photographs from his latest series Paradise, created in 2020, for the first time at WestLicht from 19 May. The large-format still lifes are placed in the context of publications and works from six decades – from Araki's first photographs to famous series such as Sentimental Journey and Erotos to his best-known bondage motifs. Recurring themes in the artist's work are illuminated, such as his obsessive preoccupation with sexuality and death, the blending of documentary and fictional narrative, and Araki's confrontation with censorship.

The common thread of the exhibition is Araki's books, which occupy a central place in his oeuvre. Many of his masterpieces are coveted collector's items today and impressively illustrate how the medium of photography can find its congenial complement in the medium of the book. With the presentation of more than 300 volumes from the OstLicht Collection, the WestLicht exhibition is the most comprehensive retrospective to date of this oeuvre, which is unique in its scope and complexity.

In order to do justice to Araki's tireless artistic drive, ARAKISS has been conceived as a double exhibition spanning two houses. Coinciding with the WestLicht exhibition, OstLicht Gallery will present further aspects of Araki's oeuvre.

NOBUYOSHI ARAKI. ARAKISS

PART I – WESTLICHT. SCHAUPLATZ FÜR FOTOGRAFIE

PART II – OSTLICHT. GALERIE FÜR FOTOGRAFIE

19.05.–15.08.2021