The Salt Yard, an independent art space in Hong Kong dedicated to photography, and Zen Foto Gallery in Tokyo will work together to showcase “Illusion”, the last known series of work by the late Japanese master photographer Shjoi Ueda, between Feb 27 and Mar 29, 2015.

Shoji Ueda (1913 - 2000) was internationally known for striking black-and-white photos taken on the sand dunes of his native region of Tottori. His works ranged from warm portraits of family members and friends, to nudes, to surreal tableaux reminiscent of Magritte. Later in his life, he took a leap in a new direction, capturing images of imaginary landscapes through arrangement of miniature sand dunes and creation of microcosms with objects placing upon his kitchen table. Many of the works were produced through double exposure with the use of a 645 camera. The series, “Illusion” (1987 – 1992), is known as his last series of collections which differs considerably from his signature style. While also functioning as a form of diary of his inner dialogue at the time, this exhibition shows a lesser-known side of an internationally-renowned photographer and reveals his restless passion and experimentation in the photographic medium.

An opening reception will be held between 5pm and 7pm on 14th March. Members of the public are welcome.

About the artist

Born in 1913 in Tottori, Japan, Ueda got deeply into photography at the age of 15. He left his hometown in 1932 to study at Oriental School of Photography in Tokyo. After finishing the course at the age of 19, he started his own studio in his home town. His most well-known and successful works were photos of people photographed as objects posed in the dunes of Tottori, which are known as "Ueda-cho" and highly appreciated in the world.

In 1954, Shoji Ueda won the Nika Prize, and in 1958, his works were selected by Edward Steichen for an exhibition at MoMA. In 1982, his works were chosen to be displayed at Germany's Photokina Exhibition. The Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography was founded in Kishimoto-cho (now Houki-cho) in 1995. In 1996, he was awarded the honor of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the government of France. Shoji Ueda passed away in 2000, and retrospective exhibitions were held in Europe from 2005 to 2008.

About the exhibition

Duration: 27 Feb, 2015 – 29 Mar, 2015

Special opening hours during Art Basel Hong Kong (15 - 17 Mar, 12noon - 7pm)

Opening reception: 5-7 pm, 14 Mar, 2014 (Sat)

Co-organised by Zen Foto Gallery

Courtesy of the artist and the Salt Yard, for further information please visit www.thesaltyard.hk.