Yasumasa Morimura

Self-Portrait (Actress)/ After Brigitte Bardot 3, © Yasumasa Morimura

Oh what a great find! It's been a while since I found a photographer that truly inspired me. I see plenty on a daily basis that impress me and I enjoy their work, but Osaka(Japan)-based artist Yasumasa Morimura (born 1951) is truly inspiring. Below are a few samples from 3 of his series that I was able to find online.


To My Little Sister: for Cindy Sherman, © Yasumasa Morimura

ABOVE: sample of his early work from the "self portrait as art history" series. Included in the series is Da Vinci, Manet, Sherman, and more from Art History.


Self-Portrait (Actress)/After Elizabeth Taylor 2, © Yasumasa Morimura

ABOVE: sample from the "actress" series with impersonations of Hollywood movie stars, such as Marilyn Monroe and Faye Dunaway to name a few.


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I love the play with different historical figures and gender. I haven't thought about cross dressing that much, but have recently been thinking hard about new narratives from my past. This is a great find for some much needed inspiration.