Noboyohi Araki, Obscenities. Tokyo: Photo-planète Co., 1994. Stapled wraps, 29,7 x 23 cm. 98 photographs on 44 not-numbered pages. Full-page bleed color plates throughout with two foldouts.
First edition. First printing. A special issue of the Japanese photography magazine Deja Vu. Out of Print.
Araki has published over 500 books. This is a selection of nudes in his signature flashed-in snapshot style. Some models in bondage, others performing sexual acts, most juxtaposed with flowers, still-lifes, and urban scenery. Araki 'censored' practically all photographs by scratching the negatives to demonstrate that not only genitalia or nipples are to be considered obscene, but also flowers, clouds, trees, eyes, and buildings, and photography in general.
'Photography reveals. To reveal is obscene. Photography conceals. To conceal is obscene.'
Some text in English and Japanese.
A fine copy.