“To the Born and Abandoned”
For me, photographs are my identity, something that cannot lie, a mirror that expresses things we shouldn’t forget and important things that we need to communicate. For the sake of things we’ve lost and people we’ve hurt, I feel it’s important to not give up, and live honestly to yourself. There are always so many things I want to say, do, and know, I’m not able to achieve even half of them. Themes that I want to photograph flow out one after another. As long as I have a heart that feels, I intend to continue to search for the truth through photos. Lastly, to my friends who stand by my side and my choices, and my fellow comrades working to create the next generation, I’d like to say, Let’s go for it.
Selecting judge: Fumio Nanjo
There are many submissions that look for subject matter within their private lives, but this work has focused on the heavy, compelling theme of abortion. Rather than a record consisting of snapshots, the theme’s seriousness creates a very aesthetic expression. The color tone, texture, and expression of each piece of work are consistent, giving the impression of an overall uniform high quality. I like that the creator has maintained a certain distance, and with accurate control was able to express the personal torment and emotions. The first abstract image is reminiscent of Yves Klein’s Anthropometry. When a human’s personal experience comes across as a universal mentality, I think that can become art.
