Hiroshi Sugimoto: Theaters
Perhaps his most iconic series, these long exposures of classic movie houses around the world are emblematic of Sugimoto’s time-eluding photography. “One afternoon I walked into a cheap cinema in the East Village with a large-format camera,” recounts Sugimoto. “As soon as the movie started, I fixed the shutter at a wide-open aperture. When the movie finished two hours later, I clicked the shutter closed. That evening I developed the film, and my vision exploded behind my eyes.”
![Black and white photograph of an empty theater with a blank white screen illuminating the space](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SUG-243.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Orinda Theatre, Orinda, 1992
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61 cm], edition of 25
![Black-and-white photograph of an empty theater with a glowing white screen onstage](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/SUG-280-1158x900.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Cinema Odeon, Firenze, 2013
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black-and-white photograph of an empty movie theater with an extra large glowing white screen](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/271_I-Max-Tempozan-Osaka-1999_new.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Imax Tempozan, Osaka, 1998
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black-and-white photograph of an empty theater with a glowing white screen onstage](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/255_Carpenter-Center-Richmond-1993.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Carpenter Center, Richmond, 1993
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![A black and white photograph of a bright white screen at a drive-in, with trees behind it and a city in the distance](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SUG-733-1154x900.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Scottsdale Drive-In, Scottsdale, 1993
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![A black and white photograph of a bright white movie screen at a drive-in theater at night, with bright star trails behind it](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SUG-723-1156x900.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Stadium Drive-In, Orange, 1993
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61 cm], edition of 25
![A black and white photograph of an ornately decorated classic movie theater with a bright white screen](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SUG-249.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Metropolitan Palace, Los Angeles, 1993
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![A black and white photograph of a movie theater with a bright white screen, with curtains on either side and at the top](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SUG-244-1150x900.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Royal, San Francisco, 1992
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![A black and white photograph of a movie theater with a bright white screen, and audience watching the film](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SUG-221-1160x900.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Plaza, New York, 1977
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black-and-white photograph of a blank white outdoor movie screen against an American suburb](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/SUG-708-1-1155x900.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Studio Drive-In, Culver City, 1993
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black-and-white photograph of an empty theater with a glowing blank white screen](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/SUG-279-2-1154x900.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Palais de Tokyo, 2013
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black and white photograph of an empty drive-in with a blank white screen illuminating the space](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SUG-720.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Los Altos Drive-In, Lakewood, Colorado, 1993
gelatin silver print, 20 x 25 inches (mount) [50.8 x 63.5 cm], edition of 25
![Black and white photograph of an empty stage with a blank white screen illuminating the space](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SUG-00.012.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Sogetsu Hall, Tokyo, 2017
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black and white photograph of an empty theater with a blank white screen illuminating the space](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SUG-282.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Cinema Teatro Nuovo, San Gimignano, 2014
gelatin silver print, 20 x 25 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61 cm], edition of 25
![Black and white photograph of an empty theater with a blank white screen illuminating the space](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SUG-229.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, U.A. Fox, New York, 1976
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black and white photograph of an empty drive-in with a blank white screen illuminating the space](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SUG-732.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Azusa Drive-In, Azusa, 1993
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black and white photograph of an empty theater with a blank white screen illuminating the space](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SUG-226.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, U.A. Belle Beau, New York, 1977
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black and white photograph of an empty theater with a blank white screen illuminating the space](https://fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SUG-252.jpg)
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Rialto, Pasadena, 1993
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black and white photograph of an empty theater with a blank white screen illuminating the space](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SUG-243.jpg?fit=675%2C526&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoOrinda Theatre, Orinda
1992
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61 cm], edition of 25
![Black-and-white photograph of an empty theater with a glowing white screen onstage](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/SUG-280.jpg?fit=675%2C524&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoCinema Odeon, Firenze
2013
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black-and-white photograph of an empty movie theater with an extra large glowing white screen](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/271_I-Max-Tempozan-Osaka-1999_new.jpg?fit=675%2C526&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoImax Tempozan, Osaka
1998
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black-and-white photograph of an empty theater with a glowing white screen onstage](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/255_Carpenter-Center-Richmond-1993.jpg?fit=675%2C528&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoCarpenter Center, Richmond
1993
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![A black and white photograph of a bright white screen at a drive-in, with trees behind it and a city in the distance](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SUG-733.jpg?fit=675%2C526&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoScottsdale Drive-In, Scottsdale
1993
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![A black and white photograph of a bright white movie screen at a drive-in theater at night, with bright star trails behind it](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SUG-723.jpg?fit=675%2C526&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoStadium Drive-In, Orange
1993
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61 cm], edition of 25
![A black and white photograph of an ornately decorated classic movie theater with a bright white screen](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SUG-249.jpg?fit=675%2C525&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoMetropolitan Palace, Los Angeles
1993
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![A black and white photograph of a movie theater with a bright white screen, with curtains on either side and at the top](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SUG-244.jpg?fit=675%2C528&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoRoyal, San Francisco
1992
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![A black and white photograph of a movie theater with a bright white screen, and audience watching the film](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SUG-221.jpg?fit=675%2C524&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoPlaza, New York
1977
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black-and-white photograph of a blank white outdoor movie screen against an American suburb](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/SUG-708-1.jpg?fit=675%2C526&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoStudio Drive-In, Culver City
1993
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black-and-white photograph of an empty theater with a glowing blank white screen](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/SUG-279-2-scaled.jpg?fit=675%2C526&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoPalais de Tokyo
2013
gelatin-silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black and white photograph of an empty drive-in with a blank white screen illuminating the space](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SUG-720.jpg?fit=675%2C525&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoLos Altos Drive-In, Lakewood, Colorado
1993
gelatin silver print, 20 x 25 inches (mount) [50.8 x 63.5 cm], edition of 25
![Black and white photograph of an empty stage with a blank white screen illuminating the space](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SUG-00.012.jpg?fit=675%2C541&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoSogetsu Hall, Tokyo
2017
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black and white photograph of an empty theater with a blank white screen illuminating the space](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SUG-282.jpg?fit=675%2C526&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoCinema Teatro Nuovo, San Gimignano
2014
gelatin silver print, 20 x 25 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61 cm], edition of 25
![Black and white photograph of an empty theater with a blank white screen illuminating the space](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SUG-229.jpg?fit=675%2C527&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoU.A. Fox, New York
1976
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black and white photograph of an empty drive-in with a blank white screen illuminating the space](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SUG-732.jpg?fit=675%2C525&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoAzusa Drive-In, Azusa
1993
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black and white photograph of an empty theater with a blank white screen illuminating the space](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SUG-226.jpg?fit=675%2C527&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoU.A. Belle Beau, New York
1977
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25
![Black and white photograph of an empty theater with a blank white screen illuminating the space](https://i0.wp.com/fraenkelgallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SUG-252.jpg?fit=675%2C528&quality=90&strip=all&ssl=1)
Hiroshi SugimotoRialto, Pasadena
1993
gelatin silver print, 20 x 24 inches (mount) [50.8 x 61.0 cm], edition of 25