Hisaji Hara's Photographic Portrayal of the Paintings of Balthus

When you think Amsterdam and art, one name springs to mind. Vincent Van Gogh. But it was the heavy, government marketing that turned me off seeing the work of the great artist in person. Thinking back it was almost mad not to take up the opportunity, but it was just unappealing. The Van Gogh Museum held huge rectangular signs that dominated the side of the building. It was almost like the Netherlands government saying this is art! You must conform and see this work. I am usually not so sensitive to my perceptions of such factors, but after my 'right to censor' project on globlisation, consumerism and new world order, it was hard to ignore. So I decided to turn my attention to more current artistes. Thankfully Amsterdam is a cultured city. Only a few streets down I was stopped in my tracks by the work of Hisaji Hara's Photographic Portrayal of the Painting of Balthus.

Perhaps it was the serenity of seeing the work at night through the window of the Reflex Modern Art Gallery, which stopped me in my tracks. Art was not on my agenda that night. I was too engrossed in exploring Amsterdam's nightlife. But I found his images arresting. I instantly connected with what the artist was trying to achieve. I could see that this was work perfected. It hit many buttons under scrutiny and is something that I desire to achieve; An understanding and input into the art community. A relief. So much for the Harris museum at Preston. This single series awakened me to the fact that I am starving of artistic nourishment. Literally starving. I live in a place populated by handy men with dim views of art. How can I continue to excel in this environment? "If you can't bring the mountain to muhammad, then bring mohammed to the mountain"

I found Hisaji Hara's Photographic Portrayal a display of artistic freedom that encapsulates a world that is separate from mine. One which determines its own rules and boundaries. Perhaps a private view of a fantasy or vision that I was invited to join. His still life's are delicate and use of monochromatic tones evocative, presented before my eyes as tasteful center pieces to finish any blank space. I think I will have to get my hands on some of Hara's work.

I later found out the full title of the work and researched it further. I found that the artist in which Hisaji was emulating causes some controversy. Some of Balthus paintings have featured young girls in erotically suggestive poses or situations. In Hara's images he has toned down the perversity, by introducing more acceptably aged Japanese women, rather than adolescents. The sexual suggestion if any for me, becomes more of an expression of Japanese values or culture. Below are some examples of Hisaji Hara's Photographic Portrayal of the Paintings of Balthus. I have included one comparison so that you can see how closely he has followed Balthus paintings. But also what alterations and interpretations Hisaji has placed on his own photographic portrayal.