Monkey Dancing

Inspired by the traditional ritual and popular form of entertainment known in Japan as Suo Sarumawashi, LA-based Japanese photographer Hiroshi Watanabe has made in gentle black-and-white and sepia tones a collection of stunningly beautiful portraits of macaque monkeys. Working in a portraiture style that recalls the golden era of classic movie stars, Watanabe introduces readers to these unexpectedly charming monkeys, whose talents include acrobatic stunts, vaudeville-style skits, and interpretive dance. These portraits do more than just beautifully explore a unique cultural phenomenon, however. Shining out of every image is a deep humanity. Vulnerable, fierce, even intellectual, the macaques manifest emotions ranging from childlike joy to intense anger, and from stark curiosity to winsome humor. Viewing these photographs makes us reflect upon what it means to be a human, a primate, a performer. The charm of these creatures is absolutely mesmerizing.