The photo poster exhibition, the photo poster project (ppp), organized by cizucu, is held worldwide and allows participation simply by choosing a city and date.
What we call “ppp” is more than just a photography exhibition. It is a community where anyone can safely share their story, and an opportunity to connect with creators from around the globe in real life.
This time, we spoke with jaeyun_84 (장재윤), a creator who has participated in the photo poster project twice. From the days when photography felt like a solitary pursuit, to the experience of expressing oneself in words and connecting with others—here, we share the changes that occurred through participating.
Please introduce yourself!
I started photography with a PENTAX camera my younger brother gave me right after I finished my military service. Before I knew it, I had become an amateur photographer, pursuing this hobby for about 15 years.
I take photographs to carve out a small space to breathe within the routine flow of everyday life. I collect those fleeting yet beautiful moments I encounter while walking down the street.
What inspired you to participate?
I had long harbored a desire to exhibit my photographs somewhere.
However, after researching, I felt that to exhibit in earnest, I needed to ‘awaken as an artist,’ which made it hard to take the first step. What I was looking for was not an event to debut as an artist.
I simply wanted, at least once in my life, to print my photograph large and hang it on a wall. That was all.
The moment I discovered the photo poster project on YouTube, I knew instantly, ‘This is it.’ I was drawn to the casualness of printing photographs as posters, and above all, I was fascinated by the opportunity to explain my own photographs and have time set aside for that purpose.
Have you experienced any changes through participating multiple times?
Until now, I had always considered photography a ‘solitary hobby.’ From shooting, to developing and editing, to uploading online, I did everything alone.
It was like assembling an endless puzzle by myself. Of course, that had its own meaning, but at times, I would feel a sense of emptiness.
However, after participating in the photo poster project twice, I realized how enjoyable it is to show my photographs to others and explain the stories hidden within them.
Through photography, I could meet and connect with people. That realization brought me happiness.
What do you find most appealing about the photo poster project?
I find the cool, unpretentious atmosphere—free from stiffness and formality—extremely appealing.
And above all, I believe the greatest attraction lies in the ‘gallery talk.’
Not only was it wonderful to have time to explain my own photographs to an audience, but also, listening intently to the presentations of other artists was an invaluable experience.
People who share the same passion and pursue the same things gather in the same place on the same day, resonating with each other through their enthusiasm. It was deeply moving.
I felt as if I had been invited to a truly special and meaningful party.
For those considering participating in the photo poster project
If you enjoy photography and dream of exhibiting your work someday, don’t hesitate—just give it a try.
There are moments in life when you realize, ‘I’m truly glad I took that chance back then, even if it was just on a whim.’ For me, participating in this exhibition was exactly that.
Since joining this exhibition, I’ve come to love the fact that I am a photographer even more, and I’ve gained a sense of pride in my own work. Of course, I’m also delighted to have made wonderful friends who are photographers :)
