Photographs, revealing time
It seems as if Japanese photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto has visualized the term crystal-image. One might argue that there is no direct link between the French philosopher who addressed his thoughts to film and the Japanese photographer. But it is actually Sugimoto himself who allows me to think this connection when he became aware of his cultural roots when he moved to L.A. in the beginning of 1970. The special distance was necessary for him to become again aware of his own asian roots. Insofar we can at least legitimate our approach to Sugimoto from a western point of view. In addition to that Sugimoto was highly interested in phenomenology that has been studied by the artists in the 60s and gave at least minimal art some theoretical basement.