Skip to content

Daido Moriyama's 'Quartet': Four Pivotal Publication Works Shaping the Iconic Street Photographer's Legacy

Quartet, the latest publication from Thames & Hudson, is the focus of discussion by editor Mark Holborn and writer. The book, Quartet, is a compilation of four significant works from the early career of renowned photographer Daido Moriyama.

Exploring Daido Moriyama's 'Quartet': The four groundbreaking publications shaping the renowned...
Exploring Daido Moriyama's 'Quartet': The four groundbreaking publications shaping the renowned street photography pioneer

Daido Moriyama's 'Quartet': Four Pivotal Publication Works Shaping the Iconic Street Photographer's Legacy

In the world of photography, few figures have left as indelible a mark as Daido Moriyama. For those eager to understand the foundations of this influential Japanese photographer, the new Thames & Hudson release, "Moriyama: Quartet", is essential reading.

Mark Holborn, a seasoned curator with over a decade of experience in visual storytelling, has edited this exclusive photobook. The volume offers a single, resonant work, showcasing the raw beginnings of Moriyama's vision.

"Moriyama: Quartet" brings together four of Daido Moriyama's formative works: "Japan: A Photo Theater", "A Hunter", "Farewell Photography", and "Light and Shadow". These books, significant for shaping Moriyama's restless, boundary-pushing vision, are presented in a cohesive exploration of his formative years.

Akio Nagasawa, a renowned Japanese photographer and publisher, was instrumental in the creation of this publication. Known for his collaborations with Moriyama and numerous publications of his works, Nagasawa has been actively involved in the development and publication of Moriyama's photobooks.

The idea for "Quartet" came from Holborn, with these specific books chosen due to their centrality in understanding Moriyama's practice moving forward. Holborn's words reveal the meticulous craft behind this publication and a profound engagement with photography itself.

The book offers a rare glimpse into the foundations of Moriyama's practice, which is now widely revered. For those interested in creating their own photography books, they can check out the best photobooks available.

In the broader visual landscape, Moriyama's work can be compared to that of William Eggleston and Lucian Freud, although specific placement would require further analysis. It's unclear whether the world has fully caught up to Moriyama's vision, but his work highlights the power of visual storytelling, fostering an appreciation for the impact of photography.

Kalum Carter, a photographer, filmmaker, creative director, and writer, has a deep understanding of photography books, curation, and photo editing. Carter writes about photography and filmmaking, interviewing industry professionals, showcasing emerging talent, and offering in-depth analyses of the art form.

The new Thames & Hudson release, "Moriyama: Quartet", is available now. For those seeking to delve into the foundations of one of photography's most influential figures, this book is not to be missed.

Read also:

Latest