Exploring the Fusion of Visual Perception | Art University Student Momoko | ISSUE #17

‘ISSUE’ delves into the sensibilities and thought processes of creators worldwide, offering new sources of inspiration. In ‘ISSUE #17’, we step into the world of Momoko, who pursues a unique approach to artistic expression and design through visual media.

Momoko, majoring in Information Design and Visual Expression at Kyoto University of the Arts, brings a fresh perspective and deep insight to the world of photography. Her talent and inquisitive spirit are vividly reflected in her work, captivating viewers.

Surrounded by friends who enjoy diverse forms of creative expression, her creativity is shaped through these interactions. While studying design, she does not explicitly define herself as a designer or photographer. However, her unwavering commitment is to communicate emotions and messages through visual information.

“Perhaps I find the potential for expression at the intersection of documentation and memory,” she reflects. While the information captured by photography is structurally a record, whether on film negatives or an iPhone, she perceives that some form of transformation occurs, differing from what is originally seen.

She believes that photography does not simply record memories, but rather, through the act of documentation, embodies memory at the point where past and present overlap. She continues to experiment, striving to create photographs that exist in the space between documentation and memory.

This spirit of inquiry is also evident in her portraiture.

“When photographing people, I have an image in mind of the outcome I hope for, but I try to capture the subject as authentically as possible,” Momoko says. While valuing the atmosphere of her subjects, she seeks to create photographs where her sensibility and vision merge with theirs.

When asked about her favorite works, Momoko shared her fondness for the manga and essays of Momoko Sakura, renowned for creations such as ‘Chibi Maruko-chan’ and ‘Kojikoji’. Indeed, Momoko herself exudes a gentle aura reminiscent of a slightly more mature Chibi Maruko-chan. One can sense the wellspring of her rich curiosity and imagination.

Currently, alongside her university studies, she works at the photo lab in Kyoto. “Since the end of the pandemic, I can tangibly feel that more film shot in various places is being brought in for development,” she says with delight. Through inspecting and interacting with clients, encountering the works of various photographers, and viewing the world from new perspectives each day, she is surely experiencing invaluable moments.

Since entering university, Momoko has acquired foundational skills in image editing software, including Adobe Illustrator and specialized 3D CG tools, equipping herself to realize her ideas. It will be exciting to see how her distinctive ideas and technical skills continue to evolve and refine her artistic expression.