You need a lot of balls to snuggle up close to those who constantly carry a gun at the ready. Alberto Venzago photographed where the heart of the yakuza beats loudest. For months, the Swiss photographer accompanied the members of the Japanese mafia and documented the everyday lives of those who constantly dance between light and shadow.The Ernst Leitz Museum is dedicating a retrospective to the photography guru entitled “Alberto Venzago: Stylist of Reality”, which runs until 14. May 2023 in Wetzlar.
“The yakuzas also influence financial markets and political corruption – in addition to ‘traditional’ mafia activities such as prostitution, human and drug trafficking, legal and illegal debt collection businesses, illegal gambling, pachinko or extortion of protection money, which for example takes place covertly in many restaurants via the laundry service of Japanese refreshment tissues, called oshibori. They earn millions from illegal dog fighting and horse racing.”“Three yakuzas are standing at a crossroads in Ikebukuro, a soulless neighborhood in Tokyo. They are waiting for four black 500 Mercedes with dark windows. The Ojabuns, top bosses, are expected at the headquarters. The intersection is closed, the bodyguards won’t let anyone pass. They stand motionless, legs apart and don’t even move when their bosses’ cars whizz past.”“Gang boss Furushio likes to see himself in the tradition of the US gangsters from the American mobster films of the 1950s. The cigarette goes with the tailored suit and usually the gold Ray-Ban glasses.”“When we were on vacation together, I always had a bodyguard with a gun next to me in bed. I received the best compliments when they asked me where I had been after the ceremonies. The secret is to make yourself invisible and still be at the forefront. And mutual trust. The yakuza wanted to know everything about me, my family and my friends. It was often my laughter that defused dicey situations.”“A thousand killers sit on tatami mats in a secret resort north of Tokyo. They receive moral instruction for three days. At the end, geishas stream into the hall – one for each of them.”self-mutilation and to risk their lives. In return, he promises them lifelong protection and security within the gang.”“The name of this gang boss is Miata. He poses in a fine scarf behind his desk in the syndicate office in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.”“The modern Japanese devour yakuza films, in which Japanese and American legends are woven together: the loser who becomes the winner through discipline, courage, obedience and unconditional loyalty. Gang boss Masahiro Furushio also likes to portray himself as Robin Hood in a pinstripe suit: the guardian of virtue and avenger of the poorest.”
Alberto Venzago: Stylist of reality
Alberto Venzago from Zurich actually studied special education and clarinet. But in his mid-twenties, he fell in love – with photography. Venzago learned everything himself and later spent four years photographing for the Magnum agency, publishing his shots in magazines such as Life, Stern and Geo. Advertising, documentary, art – Venzago manages the balancing act and has received several awards for his work. He documents the Islamic revolution in Iran, deforestation in the rainforest, observes the yakuza in Japan and voodoo ceremonies in Benin. Always to hand: his camera. The Ernst Leitz Museum is dedicating a retrospective to the photography guru entitled “Alberto Venzago: Stylist of Reality”, which runs until 14. May 2023 in Wetzlar. venzago.com andernst-leitz-museum.com
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