The story of Japanese archaeologist Ryoichi and evidence of his worldwide excavations are explored by Patrick Nagatani in this series of photographs. Nagatani presents a narrative of Ryoichi’s archeological work, supported by images of excavation sites, unearthed artifacts, and Ryoichi’s own journal pages. According to the photographs, Ryoichi discovered evidence of an automobile culture buried at sites across several continents: Stonehenge, the Grand Canyon, and a necropolis in China. This provocative and playful series compels viewers to reflect on how photographs and institutions, such as museums, shape our knowledge of the past and present.
Lead support for Proof: The Ryoichi Excavations is provided by the University of Michigan Office of the Provost, Japan Business Society of Detroit Foundation, and Michigan Engineering.
Images
Patrick Nagatani, Bentley, Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, England R5, 1987, gelatin silver print. University of Michigan Museum of Art, Gift of Thomas Wilson '79 and Jill Garling '80, 2012/2.135. © Patrick Nagatani Estate
Patrick Nagatani, Model A. Woody, National Radio Astronomy Observatory (VLA), Plains of St. Agustin, New Mexico, U.S.A. R26, 1987, gelatin silver print. University of Michigan Museum of Art, Gift of Thomas Wilson '79 and Jill Garling '80, 2012/2.135. © Patrick Nagatani Estate
Patrick Nagatani, Ryoichi Yoshimura and Ryoichi, 1987–2001, gelatin silver print. University of Michigan Museum of Art, Gift of Thomas Wilson '79 and Jill Garling '80, 2013/2.506. © Patrick Nagatani Estate
Patrick Nagatani, Artifact 3:4 1986 R3 Artifact 25:9 1996 R25, 2001, gelatin silver print. University of Michigan Museum of Art, Gift of Thomas Wilson '79 and Jill Garling '80, 2013/2.520. © Patrick Nagatani Estate
Patrick Nagatani, Ryoichi's Journal: Shōwa 60, July 13th, U.S.A., Tucson, 1999, chromogenic print. University of Michigan Museum of Art, Gift of Thomas Wilson '79 and Jill Garling '80, 2013/2.508A. © Patrick Nagatani Estate