In this exclusively online exhibition, the second of its kind for Hamiltons, waterscapes and nudes come together to blend two bodies of Tomio Seike’s work in a selection of black and white small format images. His meditative work balances between the abstract and traditional and provide a beautiful reflective alternative to the bold brash styles most prominent in photographic practice. Running until 4 March, the images are emotional and captivating.

Waterscapes developed from a chance photograph taken on a foggy day at Barton Bridge – Waterscapes #1, 1996 – and progressed at Seike’s customary own measured pace. While his work exudes serenity, the photographs are habitually more considered and intricate once analysed. Water and reflection play a predominant role in his earlier work and many of the motifs – for instance the Seine, pools of rainwater and reflective windows seen in his Paris series – reappear in Waterscapes. Seike consciously explores the traditions and technicalities of the photographic medium with compositional contrasts, and atmosphere.

A similarly measured approach is echoed in Nude Untitled; however, the link between these two bodies of work is much closer than technicalities alone: he creates an atmosphere which imbues each image with mystery, longing, and a sense of quiet awe. Again we witness an ethereal, almost haunting otherworldliness following a similar vein of peace and tranquillity. Seike is a master at capturing the quiet moments in life that silently pass, the often missed quotidian moments; “I was never interested in taking pictures of models or well-known individuals, I prefer ordinary people in ordinary situations, as you see every day and every moment – nothing special.”

Tomio Seike: Waterscapes and Nude Untitled, until 4 March, Hamiltons online, for more visit www.hamiltonsgallery.com.

Credits
1. Waterscapes, Tomio Seike, courtesy the artist and Hamiltons.
2. Nude Unitled, Tomio Seike, courtesy the artist and Hamiltons.