Shomei Tomatsu: Skin of the Nation – A Retrospective of Japanese Post-War Photography and Cultural Transformation

This major retrospective offers a comprehensive overview of Shomei Tomatsu's work, showcasing his significant contributions to the Japanese post-war avant-garde and modern photography. The exhibition features around 240 photographs, exploring themes of atomic bomb effects, post-war Americanization, and the transformation of Japan.

This major retrospective represents the first comprehensive overview of the work of Shomei Tomatsu, born in Nagoya in 1930, and highlights his pivotal status within the Japanese post-war avant-garde and his foundational role in the development of modern Japanese photography. The exhibition displays approximately 240 photographs, encompassing all of Tomatsu's major series. These include "Nagasaki 11.02," a powerful essay on the effects of the atom bomb and the lives of survivors, and "Chewing Gum and Chocolate," his early exploration of the extensive Americanization of Japan following the war, depicting the stark dichotomy between military threat and cultural allure, particularly the seduction of Hollywood glamour. Shomei Tomatsu guides viewers from traditional Japan to the era of economic success, illustrating the profound impacts of these economic, political, and cultural shifts. Recognized as the father of modern Japanese photography and one of the most eloquent Japanese artists of the past half-century, Tomatsu influenced multiple generations of photographers with his distinctive approach. His documentary-based, lyrical, and symbolic way of seeing things provided a unique lens through which to view the nation's evolution. The exhibition was organized by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in association with The Japan Society, New York, and curated by Sandra S. Phillips and Leon Rubinfien. It was generously sponsored by various foundations and corporations, including the National Endowment for the Arts and The Japan Foundation.

Admission is voluntary. Last entry to the exhibition is strictly 30 minutes before closing time. Visitors are advised that they can see part of the exhibition now and return on another day if time is limited.