245 Photography, Family Archives, and Artistic Entrepreneurship - Hiroshi Clark

What’s My Thesis?

Photography, Family Archives, and Artistic Entrepreneurship - Hiroshi Clark

In this episode, Hiroshi Clark shares his journey as a photographer whose work blends personal history with an exploration of Japanese and American cultural influences. Hiroshi talks about his creative process, the emotional impact of family archives, and the intricacies of his recent art exhibition and publication. We dive into his approach to photography, how he draws inspiration from late 1960s and early 1970s Japanese visual culture, and his unique approach to archival storytelling. Whether discussing the objects that shape our memories or the challenges of balancing art with business, this conversation is a fascinating look into the world of a contemporary photographer forging his own path.

Episode Highlights:

• The Power of Family Archives: Hiroshi explains how personal family photographs, like one of his mother with sparklers, have become crucial to his art practice. The powerful connection between these images and his childhood experiences is central to his work.
• The Influence of Japanese Photography: Hiroshi delves into the visual influences from late 60s and early 70s Japanese photography, specifically its connection to fashion photography for magazines like Vogue. He connects these historical references to his contemporary work, exploring themes of identity and memory.
• The Concept of Space and Display: Hiroshi's recent show, which featured prints from his family archive, was thoughtfully designed to create a sense of immersion within a small space, with viewers "turning around" the exhibition to see different works, each part of an ongoing narrative.
• 85 7 20 – A New Publication: Hiroshi discusses his new book 85 7 20, a publication that accompanies his latest show. Designed by Wyatt Malachy Conlin, the publication features innovative layouts that visually mirror the themes of time and memory found in his photography.
• Navigating the Art World and Business: At the intersection of art and entrepreneurship, Hiroshi shares his views on creating a sustainable art practice. He talks about how balancing side projects, such as his commercial work with Artifax, can support his artistic growth and keep him focused on his creative goals.

Links & Resources:

• Artifacts: Hiroshi’s photo documentation service – [Artifax @artifaxphto]
• Follow Hiroshi Clark on Instagram: [@hiroshi_clark]
• The Fulcrum Press – [thefulcrumpress.com]

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