Masahisa Fukase’s Haunting Legacy Captures the Screen in "Ravens"
A new biographical film, Ravens, delves into the complex life and artistry of Japanese photography legend Masahisa Fukase. Acclaimed actor Tadanobu Asano steps into the role of the profoundly talented yet troubled artist, tracing Fukase’s turbulent journey alongside his wife, Yoko Wanibe, portrayed by Kumi Takiuchi.
Director Mark Gill, captivated by the sheer genius he perceived in Fukase’s photography, was driven to tell the artist’s story – a story intricately interwoven with the life of his wife and artistic collaborator. As Gill explained to Variety, "Fukase’s story was inextricably linked to Yoko’s. She wasn’t just a muse, but an active participant, and the film reflects her narrative as well."
The film’s title draws inspiration from Fukase’s seminal 1986 photobook, Karasu (Ravens). This decade-long black-and-white project, focused on capturing the presence of ravens, is widely considered Fukase’s magnum opus.
Variety critic Richard Kuipers lauded Ravens as a gripping and immersive portrayal of an artist on the edge, suggesting that the film will resonate with adventurous viewers, regardless of their familiarity with Fukase’s work.
Fukase’s passion for photography blossomed early. Born in Hokkaido in 1934, he grew up surrounded by the world of photographic artistry in his family’s flourishing photo studio. Throughout his life, Fukase channeled his inner world into powerful autobiographical images, transforming personal experiences into art.
From 1963 to 1976, he turned his lens obsessively towards Yoko, capturing their entire relationship from their initial meeting until the day she departed. The resulting series, From Window, stands as a fascinating exploration of their bond.
However, as Dazed magazine observed, Fukase’s obsessive love, meticulously documented through his photography, ultimately proved destructive. By 1982, Fukase admitted to the paradoxical nature of his relationships, expressing the anguish of “being with others simply to photograph them.” This compulsion to capture life through the lens ultimately drove his loved ones away, leaving him engulfed in a profound loneliness.
Yoko, expressing a sense of being observed rather than truly seen, remarked, "He has only ever seen me through the lens. I believe all the photographs of me were, undeniably, photographs of himself." Feeling reduced to a photographic subject, Yoko chose to leave him in 1976, plunging Fukase into a deep depression.
Following Yoko’s departure, Fukase sought solace at train stations, where he began photographing ravens with the same unwavering focus he had once directed towards his wife. This avian fascination, captured through his lens until 1982, cemented the foundation for his 1986 masterpiece, Ravens.
The photobook has earned acclaim as a modern photo masterpiece, being hailed as one of the greatest photographic collections of all time.
Tragically, Fukase’s photographic journey was cut short in 1992. After a fall down a bar staircase while intoxicated, he suffered a severe brain injury. This accident plunged him into a coma that lasted for two decades.
Throughout his prolonged incapacitation, Yoko visited him twice monthly, but he remained unresponsive to her presence.
As Yoko poignantly shared with The Guardian, “He remains a part of my identity. With a camera in front of his eye, he could see; without it, he couldn’t."
Fukase passed away in 2012, leaving behind a profound artistic legacy.
The film Ravens was meticulously crafted with full support from the Masahisa Fukase Archives, which was established in Tokyo in 2014, and enjoys unrestricted access to the photographer’s complete body of work, ensuring an authentic and moving tribute to his life and art.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Photography Expert on “Ravens” and Masahisa Fukase’s Legacy
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the privilege of speaking to Dr. Akira Nakashima, a renowned photography expert and curator who has extensively studied the works of Masahisa Fukase. Dr. Nakashima, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Nakashima: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss Fukase and his remarkable legacy.
Editor: Let’s dive right into it. “Ravens,” the biographical film about Fukase, is creating quite a stir. What do you find most compelling about how the film captures Fukase’s life and artistry?
Dr. Nakashima: The film brilliantly intertwines Fukase’s personal struggles with his artistic journey. It goes beyond merely depicting him as a photographer; it explores his profound relationships, particularly with his wife, Yoko Wanibe. The portrayal of their connection adds a layer of depth that many biographical films often overlook.
Editor: Yes, the director, Mark Gill, emphasized that Yoko wasn’t just a muse but an integral part of Fukase’s narrative. How significant is Yoko’s role in understanding Fukase’s work?
Dr. Nakashima: Yoko is pivotal in understanding Fukase’s art. Their relationship, documented through his lens, reflects both intimacy and the darker aspects of love. Fukase’s obsession with capturing her image is a metaphor for his struggle with connection and isolation. As Yoko herself noted, she often felt observed rather than truly seen, which speaks volumes about Fukase’s complex emotional landscape.
Editor: It’s fascinating how the film pulls from Fukase’s seminal work, ”Karasu” (Ravens). What does this project tell us about his artistic vision?
Dr. Nakashima: “Karasu” is a profound exploration of loneliness and longing. The use of ravens as a recurring motif symbolizes not only Fukase’s personal demons but also his quest for meaning. This decade-long project embodies his status as a figure of transformation in Japanese photography, showcasing his unique ability to turn personal anguish into universal themes.
Editor: Richard Kuipers from Variety described the film as an “immersive portrayal of an artist on the edge.” In your opinion, what contributes to this sense of immersion?
Dr. Nakashima: The immersive quality comes from the raw, emotional portrayal of Fukase’s life—his genius, turmoil, and the complexities of his relationships. The film captures the stark contrasts of beauty and darkness in his work, inviting viewers to not only engage with Fukase’s art but also to feel the weight of his experiences. It allows audiences to grapple with the duality of creativity and personal distress.
Editor: Fukase’s journey from a flourishing young photographer to later facing profound loneliness is heartbreaking. How did his obsessive nature impact his relationships, and what lessons can we learn from that?
Dr. Nakashima: His obsessive love manifested in a way that, while it fueled his artistry, ultimately alienated those closest to him. It underscores the idea that creativity can be a double-edged sword. The lesson here is that while passion can drive us towards greatness, it’s essential to maintain balance in our relationships and mental health. Fukase’s life serves as a poignant reminder of the need to connect authentically.
Editor: In a world increasingly captivated by visual storytelling, how do you think Fukase’s work remains relevant today?
Dr. Nakashima: Fukase’s work is timeless because it tackles fundamental human emotions—love, loss, and observation. In an age of social media, where images are often curated and edited, his raw honesty invites a deeper examination of authenticity. His legacy inspires both photographers and viewers to reflect on the true nature of connection beyond the lens.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Nakashima, for your insightful perspectives on Masahisa Fukase’s life and the film ”Ravens.” It’s clear that his haunting legacy will continue to spark conversations in the art world and beyond.
Dr. Nakashima: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how audiences engage with Fukase’s story and art through this film.