Initially developed and conceptualized during his undergraduate studies at the Osaka University of the Arts in Japan, Sohei Nishino's project, Diorama Maps, provides an uncanny reimagining of various twenty-first century cities. Produced from February through July of 2006, Diorama Map New York is a stunning example of Nishino's novel approach. While wandering around a city of prominence, Nishino produces a plethora of images, frequently composed from a high-angle perspective. These pictures capture quintessential landmarks, atmospheric elements, and at times, residents on the street. After the image-making phase, he meticulously constructs massive collages using bits and pieces from over 4,000 prints. Once satisfied with his handiwork and layout, Nishino photographs the final collage – resulting in a kaleidoscopic image, sometimes up to seven feet wide. The impressive scale invites the viewer to inspect various details of the scene closely. This offering depicts many iconic sites, including the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Strawberry Fields in Central Park, amongst many others. Importantly, Nishino's maps aren't necessarily geographically accurate, a purposeful choice as the artist desires to convey the sensory and experiential aspects of a place:
“... a trace of the way in which I walked through it, an embodiment of my awareness, a microcosm of the life and energy that comprises the city.”
Detail shot of lower Manhattan up to the Empire State Building (located on West 34th Street). 
Detail shot of the top portion of Nishino’s map, highlighting the surrounding rivers as well as key landmarks – note Strawberry Fields in the upper left. Provenance
Michael Hoppen Gallery, London
Literature
Prestel & International Center of Photography, A Different Kind of Order: The ICP Triennial, p. 135
77
Diorama Map New York
2006
Chromogenic print, printed 2009.
67 1/2 x 52 1/2 in. (171.5 x 133.4 cm)
Overall 71 5/8 x 56 3/8 in. (181.9 x 143.2 cm)
Signed in ink, printed title, and number 3/5 on a label affixed to the frame backing.
Estimate
$40,000 - 60,000
Sold for $50,800
Sarah Krueger
Head of Department, Photographs
skrueger@phillips.com
Vanessa Hallett
Worldwide Head of Photographs and Chairwoman, Americas
vhallett@phillips.com
Photographs
New York Auction 4 April 2023
