Aug. 30-Nov. 13
Portraiture is much more than simply capturing smiles. Dusseldorf-based contemporary photographer Thomas Ruff's giant, deliberately expressionless photos truly embody this sentiment.
As Ruff's first full retrospective in Japan, the exhibition showcases 125 works, drawn from 18 series, including his early work "Interieurs" and his widely acclaimed "Portrats." Other notable works include images from "cassini" and "ma.r.s.," which were inspired by his boyhood interest in outer space, while his more recent "nudes" and "jpeg" examine visual and information spaces in the age of the internet.
Photography fans will also want to witness Ruff's latest project, "press++," and the world debut of four works in the series, which are based on press shots provided by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper.
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; 3-1 Kitanomaru-koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Takebashi Stn. 10 a.m.-5 p.m (Fri. till 8 p.m.). ¥1,600. Closed Mon. 03-5777-8600; www.momat.go.jp
