Eikoh Hosoe Barakei Undated
I believe that the subject of this photo is Yukio Mishima, but I’m not certain and can’t find the information. It sure looks like Mishima.
I think it is too. It does look like Mishima, and disquieting eroticism of this photo is similar to a lot of the other shots Hosoe did of Mishima against the roses.
Something about this picture really radiates madness, which I guess is appropriate considering how bizarre Mishima was. His ‘Confessions of a Mask’ is a great read.
You’re right about the similarity of motif in this and other photos Hosoe took of Mishima. ”Bizarre” certainly would be the term to describe Yukio Mishima. His strange mixture of almost masochistic eroticism with his weird, right-wing nationalistic obsession with certain aspects of traditional Japanese culture (although Mishima was a monarchist, he believed that Hirohito became a false emperor and should have abdicated rather than deny his divinity, which Hirohito had done as part of the peace process at the conclusion of WW II) make Mishima a fascinating, if troubling figure. You’re right about another thing, as well. ’Confessions of a Mask’ is really an interesting read.
“masochistic eroticism” is a really excellent way of putting it. Hosoe and Mishima were perfect collaborators. Hosoe’s repeated use of roses and the darkness - the idea of tactile beauty thriving in abstract darkness - is a perfect metaphor for Mishima the suicidal genius.
From Ordeal of Roses, I think this one is my favorite:
(Eikoh HOSOE, Ordeal by Roses #5, 1961-1970)
Hosoe makes his subjects look so beautiful, and yet I always feel repulsed that I find them beautiful.
