“Moonlight Blues”
We need some kind of a “kick.” Friends around me try different methods of self-expression, for example, playing in a band, skate boarding, drug-style fashion, etc. As they exercise these means to get catharsis, photography is such a “kick” for me. Photography is a “kick” that is easy to do and anything is permissible in it (for now, at least). While I’m spending time with friends, wandering around the city, or doing nothing in my room, the “kick” sneaks in and attacks me. Sometimes I enjoy it, and sometimes it’s depressing. When I’m tired, I ignore it. “Anything goes,” so I think it’s okay to ignore it. I’m determined to follow my instincts, and at the same time calculating to reach catharsis. The right-brain and the left-brain generate induction and confusion.
”Anything goes” is filled with contradictions-what one loves and hates, concept and case study, what to persist with and values, the idea that has taken a strong hold of me and narcissism, obscenity and insanity, lies and truths, desires and worldly passions, poison and humor, etc. What consists of me are entangled, and they speed up the blues. I’m fretful without any particular reason. I’m caught up in contradictions and recognize inconsistencies inside me. I drive through the night along with a midnight tune under the moonlight, sexily.
Selecting judge: Kotaro Iizawa
This work is full of youthfulness and energy. When selecting it I prioritized its positive potentiality, rather than the degree of accomplishment at this stage. I think that the characteristics of people called photographers are that their eyes and bodies function before their brains do. In that respect, I think that I share the same sense with Taniguchi who photographs at the risk of his life. At present, he is working only in Tokyo and in his circle of friends. I hope that he will go a long way with his camera. If he develops the capacity and power to respond to the people he encounters, he will grow to be a photographer of high caliber. He did a wonderful job of combining monochrome and color pictures in this work.
