Manabu Yamanaka Photograph

April 9, 2004 4:56 PM

Manabu Yamanaka Photographs. [view with caution]
posted by hama7 (6 comments total)

This NSFW is hideous. I'm not certain it qualifies as art, as the technique (lighting, composition, angles, etc.) is mundane. The artist's connection between these people and buddhism seems contrived. Pictures of the homeless, of a dead dog, of a 90-year-old naked woman, can be art. The portraits of the homeless are quite good, actually, but the intent seems more to shock than to provide any spiritual message.
posted by Grod at 6:05 PM on April 9, 2004

I thought it was incredibly beautiful. Thanks, hama7.
posted by annathea at 6:50 PM on April 9, 2004

The photographer is romanticizing the plight of others. Many western photographers do the same thing - just find someone in pain and attach contrived spiritual significance. His work is only slightly unique because he and his subjects are asian.
posted by letitrain at 6:57 PM on April 9, 2004

That was amazing. Thank you, hama7.
posted by stringbean at 8:52 PM on April 9, 2004

Paradise for Buddhism

is this explotation?
even if its not and hes not just trying to be shocking, theyre not very striking photographs
posted by klik99 at 8:57 PM on April 9, 2004

These have been a favorite of mine for quite some time, i love them. Beautifully disturbed.
posted by atom128 at 8:23 AM on April 10, 2004