The is an exhibition series organized by cizucu across the globe. By simply submitting your photographs to cizucu, you can participate in the photo poster exhibition and connect with fellow photographers you have yet to meet.
In this feature, we spoke with creator kenji_mangetsu, who took part in the photo poster project.
Please introduce yourself!
I enjoy photographing the flora and fauna of Hokkaido, as well as traveling and capturing urban and landscape scenes both in Japan and abroad. Rather than limiting myself to a specific genre, I aim to document whatever brings me joy on a given day and bring those moments home through my camera.
Thank you for having me.
What inspired you to participate?
While I have participated in photography exhibitions before, I was intrigued by the concept of showcasing a single image at poster scale and the emphasis on direct interpersonal exchange.
It's rare to have my work displayed as an A2-sized poster, which sounded exciting, and the guarantee of a gallery talk meant that beyond simply exhibiting and viewing, I could share my thoughts and enjoy the experience together with everyone present. That was a major draw for me.
I hoped to broaden my creative horizons through such opportunities, which is why I decided to participate.
Have you noticed any changes in yourself after participating multiple times?
I've come to really enjoy viewing the works of fellow creators in the exhibition. I am often moved by images and ideas I would never have thought of myself, and the gallery talks deepen that inspiration.
Preparing for my own gallery talk also prompts me to reflect—'What was I thinking at that moment?'—and to recall memories, sometimes thinking, 'Oh, that would make a great story to share.' This process has become increasingly enjoyable for me.
What do you find most compelling about the photo poster project?
I think it's the ability to celebrate, in the same space and at the same time, with fellow creators or with visitors, the joy of having captured that one special shot together.
It's almost like a harvest festival—the joy of having captured that image, and the happiness of being present at that moment, both for the photographer and the viewer. That shared experience is truly enjoyable.
A message to those considering participating in the photo poster project
The joy of capturing a photograph is multiplied when you can share it with others.
At first, I was a bit hesitant about exhibiting at such a large scale, but seeing your work in this format brings a new perspective and inspires you to aim even higher (laughs). Since all works are displayed at the same size and everyone has equal time for their gallery talk, it's a space where creators can engage on equal footing. Lately, I've come to feel that this makes it even easier to participate without pressure.
