Photo exhibition features Hajime Sawatari’s 'Alice'

Tokyo-based contemporary art gallery Fm on Friday launched its second exhibition, “Alice”, a photography collection by Hajime Sawatari. The exhibition features previously unseen pieces from Sawatari’s fantasy-inspired photo book "Alice," which was published in 1973.

Photographed in Britain, "Alice" is said to be an artistic interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s classic. In the same year the photo book was released, Sawatari was invited to showcase his work at Seibu Department Stores flagship store in Tokyo in its gallery space. With contributions from renowned graphic designer Seiichi Horiuchi as well as art critics and writers Shuzo Takiguchi, Shuntaro Tanikawa, and Yasunari Takahashi, Alice established a significant following in Japan and has created a name for itself in the world of Japanese art photo books.

It was 40 years ago when Sawatari had first brought "Alice" to light with his 6x6 Swedish Hasselblad camera. Despite evidence of natural fading on the surfaces of the 300 positive films Sawatari had taken, "Alice" once again returns to the global contemporary art community, carrying with it a new photographic filter known to many as “time”.

"Alice" is about a girl who finds herself in a world of adults and grows up in it. The audience could witness the very nature of her child-like character undergoing transformation as she meets people throughout her adventure in a dark yet mystic world captured by Sawatari.

For the first time, Fm brings Sawatari’s Alice back to the contemporary art scene with a collection featuring pieces previously unrevealed to the public. Forty years since its release, Sawatari’s work still retains its beauty and elegance that captured the imagination of many. A photo book, which features new additions, will be published by Kawade Shobo Shinsha this October. After its inaugural showcase at Fm, Alice will travel to Kyoto.

GALLERY & EXHIBITION INFORMATION

Title: Hajime Sawatari, Photo Exhibition, “Alice” Dates: Friday, Oct 10 – Sunday, Oct 26 (Closed on Mondays) Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Venue: Fm. Ebisu-minami 1-14-12 Le Soleil3 Suite 303, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

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