This month at Unison, “Forbidden Forest,” the first US exhibit of Japanese photographer Yasuhiko Ishikawa, showing October 11 through November 1. Ishikawa, who has been working on this series since 1994, brings an element of figural portraiture to his landscapes, transforming branches into arms and legs, bowed trunks into lithe ballerina torsos, a stand of trees into a gang of sullen, skulking teenagers. Ishikawa’s photographs invite anthropomorphic commentary and then reject it in favor of the literal interpretation, as if Ishikawa clicked the shutter just as his subjects were caught in the liminal space between two worlds.
There will be an opening reception for the exhibit on Sunday, October 11, from 4 to 6pm. The Gallery at Unison, 68 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz. (845) 255-1559; www.unisonarts.org. Portfolio: www.ishikawa-d.jp.
