As spring unfolds in the ancient city of Kyoto, the spotlight once again turns to Kyotographie – Japan's premier international platform for the exchange of culture through the artistic medium of photography. Celebrating its home city’s unique blend of tradition and innovation, this festival intertwines Kyoto's thousand-year legacy with its role as a beacon of international culture.
In an elegant fusion of past and present, Kyotographie 2024 exhibits an array of photographic collections that span from the works of time-honoured artisans to avant-garde collaborations harnessing the latest in technology. Each exhibition, set against the backdrop of Kyoto’s historic and contemporary architectural marvels, transcends the conventional gallery format to achieve a mesmerising harmony with its surroundings.
Set to run from April 13 to May 12, this year’s edition of Kyotographie is centred around the concept of ‘Source’, delving into the essence of beginnings and the nexus of creation and discovery. It reflects on life’s pivotal moments – be it conflict, liberation, or the inception of new paths – prompting viewers to contemplate a return to primal origins or to embark on fresh endeavours.
Participating photographers you should look out for
This year’s festival boasts an exceptional lineup of photographers, each bringing a unique perspective and narrative to the festival's exploration of ‘Source’. Among them is James Mollison, a visionary whose projects such as ‘Where Children Sleep’ offer profound commentary on societal and cultural themes by snapshotting children's bedrooms from around the globe. Born in Kenya and based in Venice, Mollison's work is celebrated for its originality and depth, inviting viewers to reflect on the diversity of childhood experiences and the universalities that connect us.
Joining Mollison is Jaisingh Nageswaran, hailing from the village of Vadipatti in Tamil Nadu, India. Nageswaran's self-taught journey in photography is a testament to his commitment to depicting the lives of marginalised communities, with a focus on gender identity, caste discrimination and rural narratives. His project ‘I Feel Like a Fish’ exemplifies his dedication to capturing the resilience of the Dalit community, offering a window into the struggle and endurance of people often left at the fringes of society.
The Shanghai-based duo Birdhead, consisting of Song Tao and Ji Weiyu, returns to the essence of photography by challenging its traditional boundaries. Their exploration of light and time, set against the backdrop of Shanghai's rapid urban transformation, presents a mesmerising blend of abstraction and representation, reflecting on the transient nature of existence and the enduring impact of change.
Meanwhile, Claudia Andujar, whose life's work is intertwined with the Yanomami people of the Brazilian Amazon, brings a deeply personal and political dimension to the festival. Through photography, she narrates the story of her collaboration with the Yanomami, highlighting their struggle for rights and sovereignty amidst threats from the outside world. Andujar's exhibition is not only a showcase of her photographic talent; it’s also a platform for the Yanomami's voices and visions, emphasising the power of art as a tool for advocacy and change.
Exhibition venues and how to get tickets
The festival spans 12 venues in total, including historical sites such as Ryosokuin Zen Temple and the former printing plant of The Kyoto Shimbun, as well as more public spaces like the Demachi Masugata Shopping Arcade. Eight of these places require tickets for access ranging from ¥600 to ¥1,200 per person, depending on the venue.
The advance general passport ticket (¥5,500), which is available for booking until April 12, will grant you one-time access to every exhibition. There is also a ¥15,000 passport, which will grant you priority access and allow you to enter the exhibitions as many times as you like. You can buy your tickets online here.
For more information on Kyotographie 2024, visit the official website.
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