Izima Kaoru

Renowned fashion photographer Izima Kaoru collaborates with famous Japanese actresses to stage elaborate death scenes that remind us how variously the world’s cultures handle the subjects of beauty and death. This new monograph of Kaoru’s latest work poses the question, “Why cannot a corpse be beautiful?”

Kaoru’s narratives, which are generally suggested by the subject herself, present a heroine who is perfect in her demise. Clothed in Yohji Yamamoto or Jil Sander, the young beauty is captured from multiple viewpoints – each an elegant composition based on the figure in a landscape. Setting, cause of death and attire are key elements in Kaoru’s unconventional photographs.

Izima Kaoru was born in Kyoto in 1954; he lives and works in Tokyo. He began his career as a fashion photographer and has contributed to numerous international magazines. He is the founder and editor in chief of the magazine zyappu.