Discovering Photographic Expressions That Connect the Heart: Art Book Fair #Images Osaka 2024 | ISSUE #26

How many stories can a single photograph contain?

The art book fair #Images Osaka 2024, held in Osaka, is a gathering place for those who believe in the power of photography.

#Images Osaka 2024 is an art book exhibition focused on photography, organized by the offline community PiX Cypher. The exhibition features photobooks, independently produced books, and dummy books, providing a valuable platform for participating photographers and artists to express their concepts and ideas through their works.

The exhibition aims not only to showcase works but also to foster dialogue between creators and viewers, encouraging a deeper understanding of photographic expression.

Following our recent interview with PiX Cypher’s representative, Mr. Takano, the cizucu editorial team visited the #Images Osaka 2024 event venue. On the day, over 100 photobooks were gathered, offering a rare opportunity to engage directly with the creators. We were deeply moved by the passionate conversations about photography that unfolded in a neutral and open space.

This time, we spoke with several exhibitors about their daily activities and the atmosphere of the event.

Based in Kansai, the photography publishing label ‘moment’ was founded by professional photographer Mr. Hayashi. “Solo exhibitions are vibrant and wonderful in the moment, but once they end, it becomes difficult to revisit the works. That’s why preserving them in book form holds great value,” says Hayashi.

In just over a year since its founding, ‘moment’ has published 24 photobooks, drawing attention for both speed and quality. Some works feature unique designs reminiscent of film pamphlets, and the label focuses on leaving a tangible legacy through a swift production process.

For artists and authors, editing and binding photobooks can be a challenge. ‘moment’ supports this process, making creative output more accessible. Unlike the immediacy of social media, photobooks offer works to be enjoyed over time. This casual support for tangible output is greatly appreciated by creators.

Photographer Misumi divides his time between developing websites and apps during the week and capturing everything from street photography to portraits and landscapes on weekends. The photobook ‘Matsurien’ exhibited at #Images Osaka 2024 is an interim report of his half-year journey documenting festivals across Japan.

Among the many photographs, one particularly memorable image was taken at a festival in Fukuoka. “The moment of reunion and joy at a festival held for the first time in a while left a strong impression. The people there seemed to forget their worries and simply enjoy the moment,” Misumi recalls. This was the moment he rediscovered the importance of capturing human connection through photography and arrived at the theme ‘Matsurien’.

During the process of photographing festivals, he challenged himself with many ‘firsts’. “By directly approaching festival performers and obtaining permission to photograph, I was able to capture truly valuable images. I learned the importance of engaging directly with people, moving away from my previously reserved shooting style.”

“I carefully selected festival photographs that not only capture beauty but also convey the atmosphere and emotions of the people present,” he says.

His passionate solo exhibition ‘Matsurien’ is scheduled to be held at Gallery room305 in Osaka from March 6 to March 10, 2024. Misumi plans to continue photographing festivals as his ongoing theme. Through the exhibition ‘Matsurien’, visitors can reflect on his journey so far and look forward to his continued exploration and growth.

We encourage you to visit the exhibition and experience ‘Matsurien’ along Misumi’s journey.

Through the #Images Osaka 2024 exhibition, Mr. Washizaki, who is involved in managing the PiX Cypher community, shared how deeply he felt the unique appeal of photobooks and art books, and the profound emotion conveyed through physical works.

“The weight in your hands lets you feel the stories and passion embedded in each photograph. There is a raw energy that cannot be conveyed through a digital screen,” he says passionately.

The exhibition is a vital place where creators and viewers can converse directly. While viewing the works, one can deeply reflect on the artist’s intentions and their own emotions. It is a valuable opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and open new perspectives.

Based on the insights gained from this exhibition, PiX Cypher is stepping forward to the next stage.

“Going forward, we hope to expand the scale of the exhibition and bring the world of photography to even more people. Our goal is to share the depth and enjoyment of photography, especially with those who may not have many opportunities to engage with it in daily life, and to cultivate new fans,” says Mr. Takano, the representative.

They also plan to strengthen collaboration with online platforms and use social media to share new facets of photographic culture. “By leveraging both digital and analog strengths, we want to further expand the community through photography. By believing in the power of photography and pursuing its possibilities, we hope to contribute to the further development of photographic culture,” he shared regarding their vision.

Their activities will introduce new charms of photography to a wider audience and embark on a journey to explore the infinite possibilities of photographic expression.