Is it a benefit to already have a relationship with the land your photographing?

I am the 3rd generation who moved to Hokkaido. I live in this place, I work and live.

I encounter words with indigenous people from work making, think indigenous people, that is wonderful.

Learning can be started not only from what is given but also from work creation.

Thinking of Hokkaido and Japan, that is my picture.

Do you believe in reincarnation?

Yes. but I think that it is not the same figure. I think that the soul changes its shape and exists in this world. I hope that the soul is eternal. I think that the intention is different from the current one. It is the world called Buddhism  Rokudo.

What do the Ainu (indigenous people of Hokkaido) mean to you?

My ancestor moved from Honshu to Hokkaido. It is the third generation. So I am not an Ainu. However, indigenous people Ainu are the basis of Hokkaido people.

The word of Ainu is used for the place name in Hokkaido, but indigenous people Ainu are close and far away. The inspiration I receive from photographs and indigenous people match well.

I'm glad if you get close to Ainu.

Why did you decide to photograph in black and white when the subjects were already very monochromatic?

Color photos show the color temperature and the meaning of the work increases. By eliminating the color temperature, the form of the plant stands out. I want to reproduce with only the sharp shape of the snowy canvas and plants. The absence of color indicating time is effective for matching indigenous people's words.

The placement of the scenery in a wide space leads to Japanese heart “Wabi-Sabi”. The simplicity of monochrome broadens the story of snow and plants.

Interview by Nate Warburton  

Displaced - Dates and Times

2nd May 2018 - 12th May 2018
Closing Event - May 11th 6pm-8pm (RSVP HERE)

Wednesday - Friday 11:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday - 11:00am - 3:00pm