On first inspection, the work of Joe Nishizawa looks a lot like a combination of computer graphics and Hollywood scale set design. Instead, every image is an entirely untreated photograph of a real location he has visited and captured as he found it, often without the use of even a flashlight.
His work centers around some of Japans most impressive industrial design, much of which is found hidden deep underground in various facilities that seldom grant any kind of public access. Taking pride in documenting just how technologically advanced a nation Japan has become, he’s created a collection of books that consistently render sublime imagery from objects and environments created primarily for function rather than any aethetic value.
If recent rumors about a live action Akira are true, I hope that whoever’s heading up the production design dept. has some of Joe’s books on their shelf.
