Kazuo Kitai « Chose Commune

Kazuo Kitai

Kazuo Kitai (born in 1944) lives and works in Japan.

– Home and studio — together or apart?

My home and studio are in the same place. The second floor of my house serves as both a darkroom and a studio.

– Do you have any daily rituals?

Even when I’m busy with work, I make sure not to cut down on sleep. Now that I’m over 80, I try to get nine hours of sleep a day.

– What is the first art book you remember?

Japanese Photography, World Photography by Koan Shigemori. It was through this book that I first discovered Eugène Atget. Also, Perspective of Nudes by Bill Brandt.

– What is your studio/creative soundtrack?

I like everything — modern jazz, French chansons, Japanese enka, classical music conducted by Furtwängler.

– What is the favorite thing you have in your studio?

An original print by Eugène Atget that hangs on the wall. It shows an old street performer turning the handle of a barrel organ while a young girl sings beside him. When I look at it, I start to see it as if it were a scene from Édith Piaf’s childhood. It’s mysterious, and I think it’s a photo that truly overflows with the beauty of photography.

– Did you always want to be an artist?

I don’t consider photography to be art. So I don’t see myself as an artist either, but I’ve always had the desire to create good work.

– What does a free day look like?

I try to do as little as possible. It’s difficult to become nothing — to empty yourself, but it’s important.