Hiroshi Sugimoto was born in Tokyo in 1948 and initially studied sociology and politics before retraining at the Art Center College of Art & Design in L.A. Influences by both the Dadaist and Surrealist movements, as well as modern architecture, Sugimoto is known for creating distinct series of works such as his Seascapes and Theatres, which investigate themes such as the transience of life. His work is recognizable in its use of large formats and long exposures; a recent series moved away from the camera, using a Van de Graaff generator to apply electrical charges directly to film. Sugimoto is also an architect and uses his experience in this practice to inform his decisions about his exhibitions.