#1
These photos were all taken over the span of two months in 2018 and 2019 and from all across Japan. I could not resist capturing these desolate places when we drove pas them, always taking care to respect the places we found.
These empty buildings, usually referred to as Akiya, are a big problem in Japan and there's a lot of different reasons for them - ranging from cultural, political and of course, the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. In my book, these will be explained a bit more - and in the accompanying exhibition you will be invited to experience the locations a bit more with smell, sound and images.
#2
#3
There's something sad but also something inherently beautiful in all of these abandoned places. And the overwhelming amount of them; people are quick to think these are all from Fukushima (which some are) but most of them are really from all over Japan.
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If somebody would go "wow, there's beauty in this sadness" - that's pretty much what I'm hoping for. The images are a reflection of stillness, of the beauty in decay - I'd love for people to stop and wonder what went on there - about the now worthless memories and trinkets that once were somebody's life. It's surreal and real at the same time. There's a form of magic in places like this to me. And I hope I can share my wonder with them.
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#7
Photography is my way of expressing myself, the tool of my trade, my ticket to meet new people and go new places - my way to never stop being curious and a way to show others my thoughts and feelings. It's a never-ending exploration, which I love.
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