The above photo, taken by
Kiyoshi Sakamoto in 1928, is one of my favourite images of all time. It shows two girls, probably geishas, taking a stroll on the beach. The dip of their collars, revealing their necks, was considered quite alluring for the time, but the pair here show something even more shocking: the red skirts extending beneath their kimonos are actually their underwear. I think that is partly what makes the image so beautiful; these two girls are sharing a moment of freedom unaware that anyone is watching them. Below are some more of Sakamoto's photos, taken in Japan during the 1920's.
These photos have also inspired the latest video I have made, which will be projected whist we play, at the single launch for
'Empire' on June 13th in Dalston, London.
