about Mikio Matsuo

Born in Tokyo, Mikio Matsuo studied photography at the San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI) from 1972 to 1976. After graduating from SFAI, he returned to Japan, where he developed a successful career as a commercial photographer, all the while continuing to create his own art works.  His photographs display a mastery of technique and deep sensitivity to his subjects - including light and form - that draw the viewer into a contemplative world of physicality and spirit. Recently, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art purchased Matsuo's photographs for its collection and included his work in its recent exhibition "Photography now - China, Japan, Korea" September 12 - December 20, 2009.  Matsuo's "Unsui" series, was featured in NextNew at the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art (SJICA), July 22 - September 17, 2005.  

Matsuo explains his use of Polaroid: "To me, the photographic expression is condensed at the moment when I push the shutter. There is no after treatment such as developing a negative and making adjustment, or making editions. I like this oneness. The black background is the womb of being from nothingness. I like the black of Polaroid, which is very similar to the black of Japanese lacquer ware. I cannot find this black in any other film."