NEWS

“GENESIS” betrays the familiar image of Michelangelo. Masuura tried to get at the essence of Michelangelo by putting himself in the same conditions as the era of Michelangelo. Everything is shot in natural light except for one piece. As a result, light and shadow appeared like a miracle, which could not have been captured by artificial lighting. They are recognized in “Miracle of Light”, “Face of Light” and “Golgotha” (both titles).

Let’s take a look at some excerpts from the book.

…In the almost dark surroundings of the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome, the normal lighting was turned off and the camera was pointed at the statue of Jesus carrying the cross. He (Masuura) said that when he was looking through the viewfinder, he could see Jesus standing there with the touch of life, not marble. When he quickly took his eyes off the viewfinder, a streak of light was shining from the ceiling onto Jesus’ right hand as if to indicate his stigmata. Meantime, the light made the cross shine and passed through his back like a halo. The priest who witnessed the scene also uttered the word “miracle” and offered a prayer. Far beyond his excitement, he continued to press the shutter without even trying to stop the sublime tears that flowed…

The project, which began in 1999 with the aim of photographing Michelangelo’s oeuvre, was extremely difficult at the time. Concerned about funding, Masuura was forced to make the decision to cancel the project. But then this “light” came. The project, which received the priest’s blessing, was carried out, and the second and third miracles were brought about, and the shooting proceeded smoothly. However, due to the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, the project ended unfinished, leaving the opportunity at the Vatican.

When peace returns to the world eventually, a new “GENESIS” may be born.

First edition published: December 31, 2002
Publisher: Arton Co., Ltd. (Japan/Tokyo)

Hard cover (with case)
Size: 310×220×24mm
With commentary (either Japanese, English, French, or Italian)
List price: 11,000 yen (+ tax)