“Vending machines have become something special to me. They are a window through which to view the world.”
—Eiji OhashiTaken by Eiji Ohashi (b.1955) in Hokkaidō on 27 January 2018 around 2 am during a snowstorm, this mesmerising photograph presents an isolated vending machine shining a bright spotlight amidst the dark, snow-covered landscape. As a testament to the artist’s dedication, he braved the extreme winter conditions to capture this moment of solitary, gem-like brilliance. Ohashi, who views these uniquely Japanese, ever-present machines as symbols of hope, notes, ‘I find the lonely figure of the vending machine, working tirelessly whether it rains or storms, to be oddly reminiscent of us modern humans.’ For his ongoing Roadside Lights series, Ohashi travels around his home country to photograph these machines, capturing the affective qualities of luminescence and resilience. The Japanese artist has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Moscow International Foto Awards (2016), photo-eye Best Books (2017) and the Special Photographer Award at the 34th Higashikawa Awards (2018). His work has been exhibited widely and resides in the Sapporo Art Museum, Hokkaidō.
Exhibition install of After Dark at Sapporo Art Museum, Hokkaidō, 2021.
Exhibited
After Dark, Sapporo Art Museum, Hokkaidō, 27 February - 11 April 2021
Literature
Ohashi, Roadside Lights Seasons: Winter, n.p.
ULTIMATE
47
Roadside Lights #036
2018
Chromogenic print, mounted.
Image: 101.4 x 152 cm (39 7/8 x 59 7/8 in.)
Frame: 106.4 x 157 cm (41 7/8 x 61 3/4 in.)
Signed, dated in ink, printed title, date, number 2/2 on an artist label and a Certificate of Authenticity, both accompanying the work.
This work is number 2 from the sold-out edition of 2 + 1 AP. This image is sold out in all sizes and editions.
Estimate
£10,000 - 15,000 ‡
Sold for £21,590
Rachel Peart
Head of Department, London
RPeart@phillips.com
Yuka Yamaji
Head of Photographs, Europe
YYamaji@phillips.com
Clare Lamport
Head of Sale, Associate Specialist
CLamport@phillips.com
General Inquiries
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Photographs
London Auction 21 November 2024
23
This lot is no longer available.
