Nobuyoshi Araki is one of Japan's most successful and controversial photographers, whose career has been characterized by suggestive images that polarize critics. The 72-year-old's admirers include singers Bj?rk and Lady Gaga, both who have featured in his erotic photos that some argue border on pornography. Embracing his reputation as maestro and maniac, the photographer presents a collection of his works in Beijing as part of his exhibition titled "Nobuyoshi Araki: Sentimental Journey/Decadence in Paradise" at Three Shadows Art Photography Center.

Born in 1940, Araki is considered one of the most prolific artists in Japan and the vangard of the intimate photography movement. His exhibition unveiled June 30 features 110 photos selected from his collections "Sentimental Journey," "Spring Journey" and "Winter Journey," as well 40 photos from "Decadence in Paradise," which features his latest works. Visitors will also be treated to a video presentation made by Araki himself, which presents a glimpse of the development of his art over past decades.

Araki's favorite and arguably most influential collection was made in 1971 during his honeymoon with his wife Yoko. "'Sentimental Journey' is my love, and also reflects my determination as a photographer. It's of my honeymoon and includes realist photographs," said Araki.

In "Sentimental Journey," Araki ignores all the traditional doctrines of professional photography and instead attempts to record them casually and emotively. Yoko's nude body, the couple changing clothes and sleeping together were all recorded. At the time, it was regarded as a rebellious protest against traditional photography in Japan. It also stamped Araki's power behind the lens and spread the popularity of intimate photography worldwide.

"I can't stand it anymore," Araki said of the current state of photography. "I know fashion photography is popular, but I can't stand all the faces and landscapes that appear at their surface to be dishonest."

"Winter Journey" is Araki's tormented tribute to his 20-year marriage to Yoko, who died of ovarian cancer in 1990. "Spring Journey" is also a memorial, paying homage to the couple's beloved cat Chiro. Both collections convey the depths of Araki's emotions, balancing warm affection with heart-wrenching sorrow through powerful black-and-white prints.

"Decadence in Paradise" is Araki's most recent collection created in 2011. It was made in the aftermath of Japan's twin disasters last year and features a post-apocalyptic-like array of flowers, toy dinosaurs and fragments of dolls on black backgrounds.

Mao Weidong, art director at Three Shadows and curator of the exhibition, told Metro Beijing that Araki's photos capture humanity, even in the absence of human subjects.

Though much of Araki's fame has been built on his erotic photographs with celebrities, his Beijing exhibition has surprised many visitors with its purity. Xu Hongying, a 27-year-old photographer, told Metro Beijing he had expected "exposure to Araki's bravest works."

 "These works are by no means erotic. By contrast, they reflect Araki's deep thoughts on life, love and many other aspects," said Xu.

Mao downplayed any suggestion of censorship over the lack of Araki's infamous erotic photos. "We wanted to present a different side of Araki from the stereotypes that portray him as an erotic maniac," said Mao.

"These photos illustrate his artistic values and thoughts. Apart from the passion and desire conveyed in his other works, these works reflect his affection and sorrow. We hope this helps to offer a more rounded depiction of Araki."

When: Until August 31

Where: Three Shadows Art Photography Center, 155 Caochangdi, Chaoyang district

Entry: Free (closed Monday)

Contact: 6432-2663