photo poster project | The Comfort of Having Everyone on Your Side by sashimi | ISSUE #113

The , organized by cizucu since the end of last year, allows participants to join a photo poster exhibition simply by submitting their photos to cizucu. It’s a great opportunity to meet new photographer friends.
This time, we spoke with sashimi, a creator who participated in the .

Please introduce yourself!
I work as a gym manager and fitness center director. Photography is a passion of mine, and while I occasionally receive requests for my work, I primarily take photos as a way to capture the things I love and make it a part of my daily life.
What inspired you to participate?
I had participated in a photo exhibition once before, but since then, I had declined invitations. This time, however, I decided to join because the invitation DM included a heartfelt comment that made me feel like they had genuinely looked at and appreciated my work.
It may sound simple, but feeling like someone truly values you made a big difference for me. I think such sentiments are incredibly important.

How was your experience participating?
The emphasizes communication, so I felt like I spent more time talking with other exhibitors about photography than actually looking at the displayed works.
This was a major difference compared to other photo exhibitions and one of the aspects I found most enjoyable.
Why did you choose that particular photo?
Photo exhibitions and art galleries often have the image of being places only for those with knowledge, which can make them feel intimidating. However, I believe they should be spaces where people can freely enjoy and appreciate art with their own unique sensibilities.
For this reason, I chose a very abstract piece for this exhibition—something that doesn’t have an obvious or definitive answer at first glance.

While I don’t think I can single-handedly make photo exhibitions more accessible, if my participation helped even one person feel more comfortable attending, that would mean the world to me.
For those considering joining the photo poster project
Photo exhibitions can feel intimidating not only for visitors but also for exhibitors. However, in the , not only the organizers but also all the participants are there to support you.
This sense of reassurance was incredibly empowering for me.
For those who have never exhibited their work before, this project offers a valuable opportunity to change your perception of photo exhibitions. Taking that first step requires courage, but I encourage you to take the leap.
I’m here cheering for you.
