Dennis Hopper - A Tourist - 1994

a tourist

Dennis Hopper
File /1994/Japanese/210*295*5

A collection of works by American artist Dennis Hopper. This volume compiles photographs taken in “Kyoto” by Hopper, who uses the camera as a creative source. Since it’s best to include an introduction from the artist himself, here is an excerpt: “Starting in 1961, I carried a camera with me wherever I went. My friends always teased me, calling me a ‘tourist.’ In 1967, when I started working on *Easy Rider*, I put my Nikon away. After that, I only picked up a camera when asked to by friends who were camera-shy—people like Sean Penn and Quentin Tarantino. Three years ago, on my second trip to Japan, I took a camera with me for the first time since the ’60s and shot 30 rolls of film. After returning home, I had the film developed, but I only glanced at the contact sheets and then left them untouched. However, six months ago, I decided to have 12 prints made as souvenirs for my Japanese friends, who are always so kind to me. To my own surprise, I really liked those photos. Ms. Narumi in Kyoto suggested I hold a photo exhibition in Japan. This year in Kyoto, I bought a new Nikon 35Ti, and now I carry it with me wherever I go. It feels good to be a “tourist” again. My life has suddenly become so fulfilling. Thank you. May 17, Heisei 6, Dennis Hopper.”