“A Tale of India”
The real purpose of visiting India was to meet my love Chin Lui who lived in Sarawak in Malaysia. It was my fourth time to see her. She is a Hakka (Kejia) on her mother’s side, and her father comes from Teo Chou (Chaozhou), and she used to work as a stewardess. Before going to India, I had a wonderful time being with her in Malaysia, strolling in town, swimming in a river in a tropical forest, and relaxing at a beach resort. After having a good rest, I could use my ability to the full in India for three months. It was really a satisfying trip. I would like to take a trip somewhere again. I become somewhat depressed, and now and then very badly. I have a phobia about personal relations, but get lonely easily and miss friends. That part of myself might attract people while I am traveling, so I can experience interesting situations, and have opportunities to take unusual photographs. I am an ordinary young man, by no means different or special. If you go on traveling, walk through the streets taking photographs, and you will have a wonderful time.
Selecting judge: Nobuyoshi Araki
This is not a mere documentary work. The subject is not made to perform, but plays a game to yield to him. It shows how much he is loved. It would be impossible to take such a picture unless he was trusted. A photograph of a person should be a portrait, because it is no longer a documentary if the person makes an impression of his or her existence on viewers. This photographer has a favorable or affirmative viewpoint about her. He is neither negative nor critical, but is on her side. Therefore, even when he goes into the subject’s personal arena to photograph, there is no negative reaction-“how can you go that far to take a photograph?” That is his strong point; the work of an intimate relationship. It gives the impression that he goes inside at the risk of his life. That makes this work outstanding. Very skillfully done. He has a strong mind, which other entrants do not have. This is really a good work.
