In 1975 Hiroshi Sugimoto photographed the dioramas at the American Museum of Natural History, making taxidermy lions and condors look eerily alive, and he never stopped. This show adds images shot this past year, old negatives enlarged for the first time and folding washi screens that turn the photographs into glowing byōbu. If you love the Natural History Museum, seeing its dioramas through Sugimoto's lens is a strange, beautiful double take.
What to expect
Expect large black-and-white prints of lions, jaguars, condors, Homo erectus and landscapes from the Rockies to a cactus forest, plus freestanding paper screens. The gallery is quiet and spacious, ideal for looking closely at how real the scenes feel.
Good to know
- Take the C or E to 23rd Street and walk west; Lisson has two spaces on West 24th Street.
- Lisson's second space next door shows Leonilson at the same time.
- No ticket needed; walk in during gallery hours.
- Good for photography fans and anyone who grew up visiting the AMNH halls.
- Combine with Gagosian a block away on West 24th Street.
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Common questions
What are Sugimoto's Dioramas?
Photographs of natural history museum displays, begun at the American Museum of Natural History in 1975, that make staged scenes look lifelike.
What is new in this show?
Recent images, rediscovered negatives enlarged for the first time, and new washi paper screens.
Is this Sugimoto's first show at Lisson?
No, it is his third solo exhibition with the gallery.
