Sakiko Nomura

Japanese photographer Sakiko Nomura goes beyond the facades of her subjects and reaches deep into their psyche; revealing hidden fears, sadness and tenderness. The sitter is stripped naked literally and figuratively, baring their souls for all to see.

Untitled, 2004/2006
© Sakiko Nomura

Untitled, 2004/2006
© Sakiko Nomura

Untitled, 2004/2006
© Sakiko Nomura

Untitled, 1999/2005
© Sakiko Nomura

From an exhibition write-up:

Taking pictures of naked people, Sakiko Nomura creates a story about life and time. Her outlook on nudity is far from the standard way of thinking… The beauty of their nudity emphasizes man’s helplessness towards the secret of life and time. Deprived of daily attributes – clothes or house facilities, they seem to be much lonelier in longing for something undefined, something that would enable them a real fulfilment.

Nomura has been Araki’s assistant since 1991, although I’m not sure if she is still assisting him. While similarities abound, Nomura’s approach is definitely not as shocking or provoking as Araki’s. I wonder what goes on before and after a shoot…

You can see more of her works here, here (click on the scrolling image), here, here and here.