Bisazza explores the sensual works of Nobuyoshi Araki

'Araki' exhibition on view at the Bisazza Fondazione. — ’Araki’ exhibition on view at the Bisazza Fondazione.

(Image credit: Courtesy Fondazione Bisazza)

What do Nobuyoshi Araki and Bisazza tiles have in common? You wouldn’t think much, but the latest exhibition of Araki’s evocative – and occasionally controversial – works at the mosaic company’s impressive foundation in Vicenza shows them in a whole new light.

It all started in 2009, when Piero Bisazza invited the Japanese photographer to shoot a mosaic campaign. ‘I’ve always admired Araki's photographic style, in particular his use of colour,’ he explains. ‘In our advertising campaign, Araki was able to harmoniously match the brilliance of the golden mosaic with the vivid colours of the models’ kimonos.’

In 2015, the foundation opened a gallery space housing a series of architectural photographs by the likes of Candida Höfer, Julius Shulman and Hiroshi Sugimoto. These have become permanent installations, following various collaborations celebrated across the rest of the foundation: from Jaime Hayon’s playful ‘Pixel Ballet’ (2007) to Marcel Wanders’ ‘Bisazza Motel’ (2004).

Bisazza campaign, 2009, capture by Nobuyoshi Araki — Bisazza campaign, 2009

‘We want visitors to the Bisazza Foundation to embark on a journey of discovery, with an element of surprise as they pass through the different sections of the foundation,’ explains curator Filippo Maggia. It certainly is a jolt to the senses when the subject suddenly changes from mosaic planes and chairs to Araki’s images of kinbaku (Japanese bondage).

Maggia wanted to explore Araki’s more recent work, to put the installation in the context of the 2009 campaign. The exhibition spans Araki’s oeuvre, from his intimate Sentimental Journey series – which documented his honeymoon with his late wife Yoko – through to Love on the Left Eye, comprising partially blacked out photographs, a nod to the retinal artery obstruction in his right eye.

Those familiar with Araki’s work will see his usual themes appear: females and florals to begin with, in subtle dytiques with complex colours, which he divides with a piece of clear tape. The intensity grows with his homage to Japanese bondage in Suicide in Tokyo. Araki fans will know, too, there are more innocent motifs. Facial expressions of discomfort are juxtaposed with satisfaction; later in the exhibition, slightly humorous plastic dragons appear at random in the shots, a representation of Araki himself in the image.

As the exhibition closes, you are reminded of where you are again, with a making of video of the Bisazza campaign showing the maestro at work. Araki is depicted physically painting the tiles to build the extraordinary images, evincing the sheer soul of the foundation and how it is so much more than just a mosaic tile emporium – rather, holding a strong connection to the rest of the creative world, too.

Bisazza's 2009 tile campaign, shot by Araki. Photography Nobuyoshi Araki. Courtesy Fondazione Bisazza — Bisazza’s 2009 tile campaign, shot by Araki. *Courtesy Fondazione Bisazza*

For the 2009 campaign, Araki included the rope-bound females that appear in his work. Photography Nobuyoshi Araki. Courtesy Fondazione Bisazza — For the 2009 campaign, Araki included the rope-bound females that appear in his work. *Courtesy Fondazione Bisazza*

The show begins with the intimate 'Sentimental Journey' series, that documents Araki's honeymoon with his late wife Yoko. Courtesy Fondazione Bisazza — The show begins with the intimate ’Sentimental Journey’ series, that documents Araki’s honeymoon with his late wife Yoko.

Araki's subtle dyptiques of women juxtaposed with florals. Courtesy Fondazione Bisazza — Araki’s subtle dyptiques of women juxtaposed with florals.

The exhibition is mounted on an intense blue backdrop. Courtesy Fondazione Bisazza — The exhibition is mounted on an intense blue backdrop.

For the campaign, Araki&nbsp;painted directly onto the tiles. Photography Nobuyoshi Araki. Courtesy Fondazione Bisazza — For the campaign, Araki painted directly onto the tiles. *Courtesy Fondazione Bisazza*

Araki's 2009 Bisazza campaign is on view at the exhibition. Courtesy Fondazione Bisazza — Araki’s 2009 Bisazza campaign is on view at the exhibition. *Courtesy Fondazione Bisazza*

INFORMATION

‘Araki’ is on view until 3 December. For more information, visit the Fondazione Bisazza website

ADDRESS

Fondazione Bisazza
Viale Milano, 56
Montecchio Maggiore VI
Italy 36075

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Sujata Burman is a writer and editor based in London, specialising in design and culture. She was Digital Design Editor at Wallpaper* before moving to her current role of Head of Content at London Design Festival and London Design Biennale where she is expanding the content offering of the showcases. Over the past decade, Sujata has written for global design and culture publications, and has been a speaker, moderator and judge for institutions and brands including RIBA, D&AD, Design Museum and Design Miami/. In 2019, she co-authored her first book, An Opinionated Guide to London Architecture, published by Hoxton Mini Press, which was driven by her aim to make the fields of design and architecture accessible to wider audiences.