The Maman spider sculpture of Roppongi Hills
The Maman spider stands guard beneath the towering Roppongi Hills. It can be both iconic and unsettling to Tokyo visitors to marvel or shudder at. Its towering legs and gleaming eggs perfectly fit the image of a sci-fi film creature. The sculptor, Louise Bourgeois, created an unforgettable stop for photographers. Do you dare stand beneath it for the perfect shot? Here’s how to capture its magnitude, even if arachnids aren’t quite your thing.
Yep, that was me. The first time I saw the sculpture, it creeped me out a little because I don’t like spiders. But as I’ve seen it many times now, it doesn’t worry me anymore. It has become a part of the background. I bet the people working at Roppongi Hills don’t even notice it.
When I look at the spider now, it has evolved into something from science fiction. Do you know the Martian spacecraft from the H. G. Wells book, War of the Worlds? That is what it is now. It looks like one of those minus the deadly ray gun!
It is a fantastic Tokyo photo spot that was put up in 2012-2013. From below, you can even see twenty-six marble eggs in its belly. The legs are long and sinewy. Marble, bronze, and stainless steel were used in its construction. People often photograph it.
There are six more of these Maman spider sculptures around the world. And even if you fear eight-legged creatures, I doubt you’ll find them very scary after seeing them a few times! Louise made them with a particular thought in mind.
She created them in honor of her mother. Spiders are like mothers. They are nurturers and protectors of their young. Plus, they also weave and spin their homes. They are just like our mothers. And if that fails, try my idea. Think of them as Martians!
Maman spider sculpture photo tip
I like standing under it with a wide-angle lens and shooting up towards Roppongi Hills. With the legs spread out the spider will look almost monster-size. Play around with the angles and you’ll get something good.
Where is the sculpture?
It is under the Roppongi Hills skyscraper in Roppongi. It is a short walk from Roppongi Station, on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya, and Toei Oedo Lines.
Address:6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train station:
Roppongi on the Toei Oedo and Hibiya Metro Lines.
Exit C1 is near the spider.
Conclusion
The photos were my fourth attempt at photographing the Maman spider. A couple of them seem slightly soft. That might be a result of the time of day. I went there relatively early in the morning. Some day, I’ll try again. Please come back to check those pictures out!
What gear did I use for these photos?
- Camera: Fujifilm X-T3
- Lenses:
- Fujifilm XF10-24 mm F4 R OIS
- Fujifilm XF 16-55 mm F2.8 R LM WR
- Fujifilm XF 55-200 mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and okonomiyaki. His camera will photograph the entire city one day.
Do you like art? Check out these stories:
External websites about Louise Bourgeois
- The Art of Louise Bourgeois (Tate Modern)
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