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Miwa Susuda reflects on 2020

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Miwa Susuda reflects on 2020

Miwa Susuda's favourite photobook of 2020: I Can Make You Feel Good by Tyler Mitchell.

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1854 Photography
Miwa Susuda reflects on 2020

The exhibition Susuda most regretted missing: Roe Ethridge’s Old Fruit, exhibited at Gagosian from 26 February to 30 May.

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1854 Photography
Miwa Susuda reflects on 2020

The exhibition Susuda most regretted missing: Roe Ethridge’s Old Fruit, exhibited at Gagosian from 26 February to 30 May. © Roe Etheridge.

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1854 Photography
Miwa Susuda reflects on 2020

Joji Hashiguchi: We Have No Place to Be. Published by Dashwood Books.

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Publisher, writer, and beloved bookstore manager Miwa Susuda reflects on the year just gone; her favourite books, exhibitions and rediscovering the beauty of New York City

Japanese writer and publisher Miwa Susuda has been the manager of Dashwood Books, a cult art bookshop in New York City, for over a decade. Adored by regular visitors, Susuda is widely respected for both her knowledge and contribution to contemporary photography and the photobook medium, particularly in bridging the gap between the American and Japanese scenes.

In 2011, Susuda set up her own publishing imprint, Session Press, dedicated to introducing emerging and established Japanese and Chinese photographers to Western audiences. Susuda has worked on photobooks with practitioners including Nobuyoshi Araki, Joji Hashiguchi, Ren Hang, Daisuke Yokota and Momo Okabe.

Below, Susuda reflects on the year 2020.

© Cory Rice.

Japanese writer and publisher Miwa Susuda has been the manager of Dashwood Books, a cult art bookshop in New York City, for over a decade. Adored by regular visitors, Susuda is widely respected for both her knowledge and contribution to contemporary photography and the photobook medium, particularly in bridging the gap between the American and Japanese scenes.

In 2011, Susuda set up her own publishing imprint, Session Press, dedicated to introducing emerging and established Japanese and Chinese photographers to Western audiences. Susuda has worked on photobooks with practitioners including Nobuyoshi Araki, Joji Hashiguchi, Ren Hang, Yurie Nagashima and Momo Okabe.

Below, Susuda reflects on the year 2020.

© Cory Rice.

Five words I would use to describe 2020: Reconnect, reconsider, reevaluate, forgive and love.

Cycling is one of the best things that happened to me this year.  When the spring lockdown in New York ended in the beginning of May, I started commuting to Dashwood by bicycle. I have lived in New York for over 20 years, but through cycling, I rediscovered the beauty of the city. 

I was excited to see all of our clients again after the lockdown this spring.  I always have wonderful conversations with everyone who comes to our store. In October, I met Alex and Devi. I could not help but take their photograph, since they are proud supporters of Dashwood, and wear our items as a mark of their friendship.

The direction of the fashion industry has shifted a lot in recent years. Especially this year due to Covid-19, the industry was forced to reconsider its direction and the future of the consumerist society. 

My favourite magazine of 2020 is Display Copy. It celebrates vintage, secondhand, and thrifted items, and they all look amazing. It is a perfect introduction to new-age fashion magazines.

My favourite photobook of 2020 is Tyler Mitchell’s I can Make You Feel Good. I feel a strong connection to his vision.  This book made me reconsider the direction I am heading in as a manager of Dashwood, and as a publisher at Session Press.

The book I returned to most this year was Shikijyo-kyo  by Nobuyoshi Araki (2001).  I admire Araki’s raw passion and affluent talent to keep making work, even at over 70-years-old.  It is not easy.

My Favorite Exhibition was D’Angelo Lovell Williams’ Papa Don’t Preach at the Higher Pictures. The one I regret missing is Roe Ethridge’s Old Fruit at Gagosian.

In 2020, I realised that I used to say yes to anything that came my way and considered other people’s priorities before my own. I hope to leave that habit behind in the new year. In 2021, I plan to practice more yoga, watch new movies and cherish warm friendships.

@miwasusuda | dashwoodbooks.com | sessionpress.com

Marigold Warner

Deputy Editor

Marigold Warner worked as an editor at BJP between 2018 and 2023. She studied English Literature and History of Art at the University of Leeds, followed by an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London. Her work has been published by titles including the Telegraph Magazine, Huck, Elephant, Gal-dem, The Face, Disegno, and the Architects Journal.