Hisashi Kobayashi
“ To elite trash ”
2019Excellence Award
ARTIST STATEMENT
To elite trash
Random photos I had published and photos I had used in photo collections and exhibitions accumulated into massive piles, and I became absorbed by the shape of the piles as objects in themselves.
Initially, I told myself convincing words that I was simply clinging to this image emotionally. But as time passed, every time I entered the dark room or my room, the towering objects gradually began to drive me out of my mind. That was reality.
After being stumped for a while, I pasted these photos to various things to arrive at the objects that make up this work.
Although ideally they want a place where they can shine once again, maybe these negatives and prints — after being taken by me, after being put on display for some time, after being postponed, after being abandoned, after piling up like garbage – were waiting for me to someday take notice of them as objects and paste them to something.
In conclusion, should a well-informed person find something good in my work, I will feel delighted, although mixed with a tinge of discomfort. Thank you.
Entries form: Five books (two 25 x 300 mm, three 200 x 250 mm) using approximately 2,500 reversal films, laser prints, gelatin-silver prints, inkjet prints, and instant films
Selecting judge: Sandra Phillips
This collection is composed of peculiar and physical photos that he has accumulated and corrected over many years. These are objects from a past when he could not bear to throw away these photos.
The photo compilations that the photographer refers to as “piles” are physical, sheathed in black and white prints and even Polaroids. One page is smeared with paint and colorings as if the photographer was driven by an obsession. The assemblage of flourishes like these make for unique objects and turn the work into a massive photo collection. The way the photos have been processed, the way the collection has been put together, and Mr. Kobayashi's tenacity in his production endows this collection with a special power.
PROFILE
Hisashi Kobayashi
Participated in an Osamu Kanemura workshop hosted by the Photographers' Gallery.
Took part in many exhibitions at such galleries as Alternative Space The White, Gallery Q, Northern Alps Tenbo Bijutsukan, SAKuRA Gallery, Omotesando Garo Musee F, Calotype Photoworks, and Gallery Mestalla.
Published many private press photo collections, including “For the Abandoned Days.”
2019Excellence Award