“Room About a Room,” an exhibition showcasing the works of American photographer Alex Soth, offers a captivating glimpse into his three-decade-long artistic journey. This comprehensive retrospective, organized into six distinct sections, is being held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography.
The exhibition delves into Soth’s unique approach to photography, a style often described as “documentary,” rooted in the American photographic tradition. The museum’s curators have curated the show around the theme of “rooms,” providing a thematic framework for exploring Soth’s diverse body of work.
From his early iconic series, “Sleeping by the Mississippi,” to his captivating portraits of influential photographers who have inspired him, the exhibition presents a panoramic view of Soth’s artistic development. Additionally, it features his compelling series documenting the interactions within local communities, offering a glimpse into the human experience.
‘Room About a Room’ also unveils Soth’s latest series, “Advice for Young Artists,” captured at American art schools from 2022 to 2024. This captivating work, showcased for the first time globally, promises a fresh perspective on Soth’s artistic vision.
Soth, known for his extensive road trips across America, has documented landscapes and the people he encountered along the way using large-format cameras. However, the series “I Know How Furiously Your Heart is Beating” departs from this traditional road trip style. This series, central to the exhibition’s theme, focuses on intimate portraits and personal belongings of individuals from various corners of the globe, including renowned figures such as dancer and choreographer Anna Halprin (1920-2021) and novelist Hania Yanagihara (1974-). These portraits, captured within the spaces where these individuals live, underscore the significance of the room as a microcosm of one’s life.
Soth himself has remarked, “While I regularly capture portraits, landscapes, and still life, it is indoor photography that I feel most connected to.” His work, often characterized by its introspective nature, invites us to ponder the stories hidden within the four walls of a room, the objects that occupy them, and the lives of those who inhabit them.
“Room About a Room” is a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted world of Alex Soth through the lens of the room. This thought-provoking exhibition, open from October 10th, 2024, to January 19th, 2025, promises to captivate and inspire visitors.
Exhibition Details:
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Dates:
October 10, 2024 – January 19, 2025*
Location:
Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography, 2nd Floor Exhibition Hall*
Hours:
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Thursday and Friday until 8:00 PM), last entry 30 minutes before closing*
Admission:
General: ¥800, Students: ¥640, High School Students/Seniors (65 and over): ¥400*
Phone:
+81-3-3280-0099*
