JTF (just the facts): A total of 15 black and white images, hung in the entry hallway, main gallery space, and office area. All of the works are gelatin silver prints, made between 2008 and 2009. The prints come in three sizes: 62×51 (in editions of 3), 47×38 (in editions of 12), and 24×20 (in editions of 12). 9 of the largest size prints are on display in the show, mounted but not framed, and clipped to the walls. Also on view are 6 of the smallest size, framed in white and matted. A thin catalog of the exhibit is available from the gallery for $10. (Installation shots at right.)
For the process minded, Sato’s works have plenty of technical complexity. Using an 8×10 view camera, he makes long exposures (measured in hours), intermittently moving into the frame with a mirror, aiming vectors of sunlight back at the camera lens; the result are various points of light, made by an invisible photographer.Overall, I found these images be quietly elegant and serene without being boring or gimmicky, mixing the straight and the conceptual with a deft hand.
Collector’s POV: The works in this show are priced based on size. The largest prints (62×51) are $18000 each, the middle (47×38) are $14000 each, and the smallest (24×20) are $5000 each. Sato’s prints have not yet reached the mainstream secondary markets, so gallery retail is likely the only option for interested collectors at this point.
Rating: * (one star) GOOD (rating system described here)
Tokihiro Sato
Through May 8th
Leslie Tonkonow Artworks + Projects
535 West 22nd Street
New York, NY 10011
