Resistance - Portrait of Fruit

Auckland Festival of Photography presents an exclusive showcase by Japanese artist, Masumi Shiohara as part of the 2023 Festival theme resistance [ātete]. 

Drawing on his background as a fruit breeder and farmer, Shiohara’s award-winning images record and celebrate the identifying characteristics of different species of fruits that he grows. He creates photographic botanical art that not only serves as a practical tool but also depicts the multifaceted beauty of plants. We share a curated selection from his two series, The Process and Farmwork of Fruit Growth and Portrait of Fruit.

Presentation on outdoor lightboxes, supported by Auckland Council City Centre Activation.

About the artist: Masumi Shiohara was born in Nagano Prefecture in 1974. He worked as a development engineer at a microfabrication manufacturer. After leaving the company, he took over his family's orchard from his parents, and is now running the farm. He is also involved in breeding and has developed a number of varieties. While growing fruit here, he became interested in creating photographic works of art about 20 years ago, and taught himself the technique. He was asked by a botanical artist to provide the fruit on a branch, and since then he has been creating photographic artworks of fruit on branches.

The "botanical art-like white background pieces" are printed on real parchment vellum, while the "black background pieces" are printed on glossy paper. At the same time, with the theme of the importance and value of food, my works focus on the growth of fruits throughout the year and the documentation of nameless fruits that have been omitted in fruit breeding and object creation. (text courtesy Lens Culture)

2022 Shortlist: Sony World Photography Awards 2021, Open Competition, Object Category 2021 Top 50 Photographers: Critical Mass 2021 Highly Commended: RHS Royal Horticultural Society, Photographic Competition2021, Creative Shortlist: Sony World Photography Awards 2021, Open Competition, Object Category FIRST SELECTION: ARTE LAGUNA PRIZE 15, Photographic Art 2020 Jury top 5 Selection: Tokyo International Foto Awards 2020, Professional 2019 Shortlist: Sony World Photography Awards 2019, Open Competition, Still Life

Talk Sun 4 June 1-1:30pm: Masumi Shiohara's botanical artistry will be explored in a talk and Q + A on his work by his daughter Mizuki Shiohara who is in New Zealand for this exclusive lightbox display. 

Masumi Shiohara, The Process and Farmwork of Fruit Growth

Masumi Shiohara, Portrait of Fruit