Selected Photographs by Piczo
The selected photographs by Piczo present a fascinating evolution of the artist's journey from his early days in Osaka, Japan to his current standing in the international photography scene.
Born in Osaka, Japan, Piczo discovered his passion for photography while studying at the Musashino Art School in Tokyo. His journey continued in London, where he further honed his craft at The London College of Communication.
In London, Piczo immersed himself in the world of fashion magazines, contributing to esteemed publications such as Jalouse, i-D, Grind, Tomorrow, Unfolp, and Union. His portraits, marked by a laid-back and effortlessly cool style, quickly garnered attention. Reflecting on this period, Piczo recalls the surreal experience of seeing his work alongside renowned photographers: “A small Japanese photographer is on the same page as great photographers!”
The turning point in Piczo's career came in 2013. Restricted by a student visa that prevented him from working openly as a freelancer, Piczo turned his lens inward, photographing emerging models in the intimate setting of his home. This constraint inadvertently birthed an extensive archive of portraits, capturing around 500 individuals over a decade.
Piczo's work during this period is characterized by a stripped-back style, drawing comparisons to Juergen Teller’s iconic 1990s go-sees. His photographs exude a hazy, ephemeral quality and a diaristic intimacy, born from the mutual inexperience and relaxed atmosphere shared with his subjects. “Both the models and I were inexperienced, and there was no one else around, so I wasn’t nervous,” Piczo recounts. “We were relaxed with one another, and I started to get some good results. This series is a collection of those times I saw someone I thought was beautiful, and how I found them beautiful.”
Piczo’s work, with its blend of diaristic intimacy and a candid approach to portraiture, invites viewers into a shared space of vulnerability and beauty, highlighting the artist's unique ability to find profoundness in the seemingly ordinary.
Photography: Piczo
Text: Hitoshi Arato