Photo by TAKAHIRO
'ISSUE' delves into the sensibilities and thoughts of creators worldwide, sparking new inspiration. In 'ISSUE #41', we introduce the passion behind the solo exhibition 'Round and Near You.' by photographer Takahiro Kikuchi, who also served as the official curator for the cizucu-hosted photo contest.
INFORMATION
Born in 1995, from Hiroshima. Graduated with a master's degree from Kobe University. While working in development at a manufacturer, he also works as a photographer, capturing actors/models/artists, collaborating with companies, and shooting brand looks.
Traveling as a life work, he continues to photograph the people and everyday scenes of various places. Held his first solo exhibition 'Last Days' in 2023.
cizucu: TAKAHIRO Instagram: @t.k___photo
Decided to Exhibit First
Photo by TAKAHIRO
cizucu
Congratulations on your solo exhibition after two years! It's been a while since the last one. Could you tell us the thoughts behind deciding to hold this exhibition?
Takahiro Kikuchi
I decided to hold this exhibition in February last year, when I turned 29. Reflecting on the many scenes and thoughts I encountered in my 20s, and considering how I want to spend the new decade ahead and what I want to cherish.
To answer these various questions, I turned my focus inward and decided to compile the emotions that emerged into an exhibition.
By deciding to 'exhibit' first, I was able to spend a year that might have passed by unnoticed more meaningfully. I gained so much from it, so I'm glad I decided to exhibit at that time.
Round and Near You.
cizucu
Could you share the thoughts behind the title 'Round and Near You.'?
Takahiro Kikuchi
The theme this time is 'everyday life'. From that theme, I associated various words and came up with the title. The 'things' and 'events' that have become commonplace in our lives. That's what I consider 'everyday life'. Even scenes that appear special while traveling are someone's 'everyday life'.
From a different perspective, it also means that there are things that shine brightly for a moment in the scenery we usually see, even if we don't pay attention to them. I wanted to rediscover their value.
From that experience, everyday life is connected (round). And it can be near or far depending on one's awareness, so I hope people can feel it more closely, which is why I titled this exhibition 'Round and Near You.'
cizucu
The main visual (handwritten letters and toys) is also impressive. Why did you choose this?
Takahiro Kikuchi
This photo was a random shot of a child's forgotten item I found on the street. While reviewing the photos, this one felt like a familiar scene in everyone's everyday life, which was a big reason for choosing it.
Deciding on this photo as the main visual, I also came up with the title.
Not Taking 'Capturing' for Granted
Photo by TAKAHIRO
cizucu
Regarding 'landscape photos capturing everyday life on film', what is the significance of holding an exhibition with film photography, considering you also shoot digitally?
Takahiro Kikuchi
While conceptualizing the theme, I happened to read a book right after turning 29. It's a book by photographer Kazunari Sugawara titled 'You'll Love Photography More', which contains a passage saying, 'If capturing feels ordinary, try shooting on film.'
Not many might resonate with that alone. With the spread of smartphones, anyone can now take photos easily and instantly. While it's convenient, it seems that capturing 'well' has become important, and only 'good' photos are kept.
However, in the era when film cameras were the norm, you wouldn't know how it 'captured' until developed, and the book taught me that just 'capturing' itself held value. As someone who continued taking photos with digital cameras, I gradually lost appreciation for 'capturing', and this statement was a wake-up call.
With the thought of not taking 'capturing' for granted, I decided to hold this exhibition solely with film photography.
Paying a Little More Attention to Everyday Scenery
Photo by TAKAHIRO
cizucu
Could you tell us the highlights of this exhibition and any message for those planning to visit?
Takahiro Kikuchi
This exhibition is based on the familiar scenery of the people I encountered while visiting various places, interwoven with my perspective. I experimented so that even the scenery of a town you've never been to feels familiar or leads to some realization.
I hope those who come to see it will pay a little more attention to their usual scenery on their way back. I would be delighted if it serves as such a trigger.
Exhibition Information
Takahiro Kikuchi Photo Exhibition
'Round and Near You.'
【Kyoto】
Dates: February 8 (Sat) - 11 (Tue, Holiday), 2025
Venue: Galley Ann, 170 Karigane-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8056
February 8 (Sat) 12:00-19:00
February 9 (Sun) 11:00-19:00
February 10 (Mon) 11:00-19:00
February 11 (Tue, Holiday) 11:00-17:00
【Tokyo】
Dates: February 21 (Fri) - 24 (Mon, Holiday), 2025
Venue: zakura, 14-5-103 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0031
February 21 (Fri) 13:00-21:00
February 22 (Sat) 11:00-20:00
February 23 (Sun) 11:00-20:00
February 24 (Mon, Holiday) 11:00-17:00
