Shadow & Light Monthly #68

Shadow & Light is a list of curated photography stories, features, techniques, news and inspiration that I’ve come across this month.

In this edition we dive into the stunning street photography of Finnish photographer Tommi Viitala and photographs from film director Wim Wenders that capture the moody Americana themes of his iconic films. We see how a group of photographers have paid homage to David Lynch and explore the rebellious Japanese rockabilly subculture.

So, with no further ado, I give you this month’s Shadow & Light Monthly. Go grab yourself a cuppa and enjoy this month’s selections below. Please let me know in the comments what you think.

Pick of the Month – Tommi Viitala Captures Finnish Melancholy

Finnish photographer Tommi Viitala embarked on his street photography journey over four years ago, capturing urban life across cities like Rome, Paris, and Madrid. His images are distinguished by precise composition, sharp contrasts, and meticulous use of light and shadow. Viitala believes street photography uniquely tells spontaneous stories, with each shot serving as an unrepeatable fragment of daily life.

He notes that even if ten photographers capture the same moment, each will present a distinct artistic perspective. It’s certainly true that Viitala has managed to create a very distinct style. The light, shade, colour and mood of his work is absolutely beautiful.

For a deeper insight into Tommi Viitala’s work and his reflections on street photography, read the full article on Collater.al.

Additional Reads

Wim Wenders’ Photographs of Moody Americana Capture the Themes in the Director’s Iconic Films

German filmmaker and photographer Wim Wenders presents Written Once, an exhibition at New York’s Howard Greenberg Gallery, showcasing his evocative photographs from the 1970s and 1980s.

Renowned for films like Paris, Texas and Wings of Desire, Wenders captures the essence of America’s expansive landscapes and deserted towns in this collection. The exhibition features black-and-white images from the late ‘70s, documenting Wenders’ extensive road trips across sun-drenched American highways. Notably, a series titled When Martin Scorsese Had a Flat Tire chronicles a chance encounter between the two directors in Utah’s Valley of the Gods, highlighting the serendipitous nature of their meeting.

Additionally, the exhibition includes colour photographs from Written in the West (1983), taken during Wenders’ research for Paris, Texas. These images depict abandoned gas stations, haunting motel signs, and quiet theaters, reflecting Wenders’ fascination with enigmatic sites that hold untold stories.

For a comprehensive insight into Wim Wenders’ photographic exploration of moody Americana, read the full article on Wallpaper.

David Lynch’s Outsized Influence on Photography 

David Lynch, renowned for his surreal and enigmatic cinematic style, has profoundly influenced contemporary photography. His works, such as Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet, delve into the uncanny aspects of American life, inspiring photographers to explore similar themes.

In this article, photographers reflect on how Lynch’s work has influenced their own work. Roe Ethridge recalls how Twin Peaks captivated his art school class, highlighting Lynch’s impact on visual storytelling. Yelena Yemchuk notes that Lynch’s portrayal of the surreal within the mundane has deeply affected her photographic approach. Gregory Crewdson’s cinematic tableaux also draw inspiration from Lynch’s atmospheric narratives, aiming to evoke a sense of mystery and unease.

For a comprehensive exploration of Lynch’s influence on photography, read the full article on Aperture.

And Finally – Intimate Photographs Explore the Rebellious Japanese Rockabilly Subculture

Photographer Alvin Kean Wong’s series, Roller Zoku, delves into Japan’s enduring rockabilly subculture, which traces its origins to 1955 when Chiemi Eri’s cover of “Rock Around the Clock” popularised the genre nationwide.

Wong, originally from Singapore and now based in New York, immersed himself in this vibrant community starting in 2019, capturing its essence over five years. His black-and-white photographs depict rockabillies in sleek attire, dancing on city streets, and engaging directly with the camera, reflecting both defiance and intimacy. Despite a decline in numbers over the decades, this dynamic community remains as vibrant and rebellious as it did decades ago. Wong’s work was showcased in February at Cafe Studio in New York City, highlighting the subculture’s enduring spirit.

For a comprehensive exploration of Wong’s Roller Zoku series and insights into Japan’s rockabilly scene, read the full article on My Modern Met.

Until Next Time…

I hope you enjoy the articles above. Don’t forget you can follow my Shadow & Light magazine over on Flipboard if you’d like to see more of what I’m reading if you like what you’ve seen here.