Teikō Shiotani, born on October 24, 1899, in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, was a pioneering figure in Japanese photography, particularly noted for his contributions to the shashin (art photography) movement in the early 20th century. His upbringing in rural Japan, amidst the natural landscapes of Tottori, deeply influenced his photographic style, which often featured serene, poetic depictions of nature. Unlike many of his contemporaries who gravitated towards urban landscapes, Shiotani sought to capture the quiet beauty of the countryside, using soft, delicate tones to emphasize the emotional atmosphere of his subjects.
Shiotani's primary tool was the Vest Pocket Kodak (VPK), a compact and portable camera that became popular among early 20th-century photographers. The VPK allowed Shiotani to explore new, more intimate ways of framing his compositions. His work with this camera was groundbreaking in its ability to translate the ethereal qualities of his natural surroundings into visual art. The use of the VPK, despite its simplicity compared to other professional equipment of the time, was pivotal in defining his unique aesthetic, which often involved soft focus and an emphasis on subtle gradations of light and shadow.
Shiotani’s work continues to be celebrated for its quiet elegance and its pioneering use of minimalist composition in photography.
Boy Priest Sitting (1929)
Bird's-Eye View of a Village (1925)
Source:
Wikipedia
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