Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2013

Credit: Courtesy of Spruth Magers Berlin London
Caption: Pyongyang (2007) © Andreas Gursky / Jaspar 2013

German lensman Andreas Gursky has the dubious honor of holding the record for the most expensive photograph ever sold ($4.3 million). Find out why he is held in such esteem by collectors at his first large-scale exhibition in Japan. Gursky is known for massive prints capturing the patterns of modern life, such as 99 Cent (1999), a poignantly abstract representation of contemporary commerce. This and other landmark works have been hung on the NACT’s giant walls alongside new pieces such as Kamiokande (2007)—taken in Japan—and his latest work Qatar (2012).

The National Art Center, until Sep 16, ¥600-1,500. Open Wed-Mon 10am-6pm, closed Tue. 7-22-2 Roppongi. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.nact.jp