Early this week, photographer Yasuhiro Ishimoto passed away at the age of 90. Caille’s warm response to hearing this news illustrates his unique connection to America.
I only encountered Ishimoto’s photos at PGI Gallery, where he had shows up until as recently as last December. Last time, I was really impressed by his book “Shibuya, Shibuya,” which only shows the backs of people waiting at the intersection later mythologized by Sofia Coppola. The photographs of an old man in the teen paradise that is Shibuya could easily be contrived, but his obvious dedication to the subject made the book work. Even spending such a brief time with his work, it was clear that he was a master. This is a story that was floating around Twitter earlier:
Just a few days ago I heard a story about Ishimoto. When he was shooting ‘Shibuya, Shibuya,’ a young girl dragged him to the police because he was shooting from a low angle. He showed them his card but no one knew or cared who he was. I wish him well in next life.
I must say I am more than a bit sad at the news. Yasuhiro Ishimoto was a photographer whose vision of the world immediately, almost instantaneously, changed my own. I was always amazed that he wasn’t better recognized in the western world. His work was visionary, and while I suspect the worldwide acknowledgement of his passing will be lacking, I at least know that those of us who know and love his work will continue to remember him, to enjoy his work, and to derive lessons and revelations for the work he contributed in his lifetime.