The photo poster project, organized by cizucu and held in cities around the world, is an exhibition of photo posters that anyone can join simply by selecting a city and date.
What we call the ppp is more than just a photography exhibition. It is a community where everyone can safely share their stories, and an opportunity to connect with creators from across the globe in real life.
This time, we spoke with the creator takeonihei0514, who participated in the photo poster project.
Please introduce yourself!
I am takeonihei0514. My history with photography goes back quite a while, to when I was a member of the photography club in high school. At that time, analog photography was at its peak—I shot black-and-white photos with a secondhand camera, developed them in the darkroom at our club, and exhibited them at school festivals and similar events. The scent of darkroom chemicals still brings back fond memories.
After entering the workforce, my life became centered around work and family, and I had far fewer opportunities to pick up a camera. One day, I was invited to a photography exhibition organized by an acquaintance. When I casually dropped by, I was deeply inspired by the new possibilities of digital photography.
I remember being struck by the fresh expressions and visual language, so different from the images I captured as a high school student. Not long after, I went to a camera store and bought a digital SLR.
Since then, I have been shooting daily, mainly focusing on seasonal flowers, nature, and vehicles, always with a camera in hand.
What inspired you to participate?
This was my first time participating in a photography exhibition. I became interested in the idea of not only viewing exhibited works but also being on the exhibitor side, which motivated me to take part.
I was also curious how I would feel comparing my current self to when I exhibited works as a high school student, how other creators would react to my work, and what kinds of people and works would be on display. These elements, which are not part of my everyday life, were also key factors in my decision to participate.
How was your experience participating?
In a word, it was incredibly stimulating.
Seeing my own photograph exhibited as an A2-sized poster for the first time, it was a strange sensation to see it look like a proper artwork. Additionally, the works of other creators were so diverse and individual, with unique perspectives and narratives, that I found them truly inspiring.
Moreover, the atmosphere created by the cizucu team and the event organizers was very welcoming, and I felt that being able to converse with various people is at the heart of this event.
Through the poster exhibition, the circle of communication expanded, and I hope it will have a positive impact in some way. I was also very pleased to receive heartfelt messages and feedback about my work from everyone.
Why did you choose this particular work?
This time, since the theme was 'freedom,' I chose to exhibit a work that represents my origins, from the days when I was simply taking photographs for the joy of it. About five years ago, on a late autumn day when COVID-19 restrictions were temporarily eased, a cosmos flower picking event was held at a nearby park.
Amidst many people of all ages enjoying the flower picking in their own way, I approached a family that caught my attention and was allowed to photograph them as they picked cosmos flowers.
This work, 'Picking Autumn Cosmos,' captures a moment of a family heading home at dusk after finishing their flower picking.
I chose this photograph hoping that viewers would feel even a little of the warmth, the joyful memories, and the many smiles shared by the family who participated in the event, as well as the connections between people that made the day so special.
To those considering participating in the photo poster project
Honestly, I never thought I would exhibit my own work, nor did I think I would have the opportunity. With just a little bit of courage, I was able to participate this time, and I am truly glad I did.
Not only did I have the chance to exhibit my own work, but I also received a wealth of feedback from other creators and the organizers, making it a truly valuable experience.
If I have the opportunity to participate again, I look forward to meeting and connecting with even more creators.
