The Clean Lines of Hiromu Kira

Man On Steps, Bowl aka The Thinker, 1930

Hiromu Kira, (1898-1991) well known for his photo (above), “Man on Steps, Bowl (The Thinker).” As a Japanese-American photographer belonging to the pictorialist movement of the 1920s and ‘30s, Kira’s key design elements were geometric backgrounds and clean lines. When asked why he was a photographer, Kira responded,

“Truly speaking, it was more or less incidental that I became a pictorialist: first, mere curiosity in the camera itself, then the interest in the souvenirs of the occasions; and, finally, the sublime pleasure in reproducing the creative expression of things that appeal to our artistic nature.”

Kira’s photographs provide me with a calmness, a sense of serenity. They seem so simple yet elegant, leaving me in a bit of self-reflection. As reflected in my own personal style as well as my design style, it’s easy to see I am drawn to clean lines. They appeal to my artistic nature very much. What about you? Why types of style are you drawn to? Are they reflected in your design work? How do Kira’s photographs they strike you?

Claudia Endler Designs’ Large Curve rings from our center point collection

Hiromu Kira, Glassware, 1930

Have an infinitely modern day!