Shoji Ueda (Sakaiminato, 1913-2000) is regarded as one of the most outstanding Japanese photographers of his time. His interest in photography emerged at an early age, and from that point on the discipline became the focus around which his life revolved. In 1933 he set up a photographic studio in his home town, and he continued to oversee its running throughout the rest of his life. However, what really absorbed him was his personal creative work. At the same time he took part in competitions, published his images in specialist magazines, and became involved in numerous associations of amateur photographers.

Although he only left his native Tottori region on a few occasions, Ueda discovered the photographic innovations of the Western avant-garde through specialist publications that he received from time to time, and he felt drawn toward technical and aesthetic experimentation.

Following a barren period during the Second World War, Ueda returned to his work and produced some of his most representative works, in which the dunes of Tottori became a stage on which he arranged human figures in his own particular way. The charm and ingenuity of these curious images has no parallel in the history of photography.

His conception of this art form was closely linked to his sense of humour, to a highly special aesthetic approach, and to his enormous curiosity about the small things of everyday life.

The photographs on display in this exhibition, all of which are originals, come from the Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography in Houki-cho, a museum located in the region where he was born and dedicated to celebrating the work of this unique artist.

SLIDE SHOW is now available.

General information about site and duration: The schedule is subject to change.

PRESS RELEASE in PDF format is now available.