Introduction
Photography exhibitions are usually not my cup of tea. In my unprofessional opinion, capturing reality exactly as it is can make documentation feel unnecessary. For years, I've viewed photography as a medium that distances us from the authentic experience of "life itself." Consequently, I've only visited a few photography exhibitions, always with great skepticism and a critical eye.
Pleasant Surprise
This time, however, I was pleasantly surprised. Michael Sela, 26, sensitively captured his experience in Japan using a film camera. By de-contextualizing the time, Michael made it impossible to know when the pictures were taken, allowing viewers to experience Japan as it is, free of excessive pretensions. Humbly, Michael captured everyday life in Japan without cynicism. A visit to this small exhibition provides an intimate and non-intrusive glimpse into Japanese life, not necessarily today, but in general.
Visual Descriptions
From feeding pigeons in the yard to visiting the room of a naked woman and documenting objects casually discarded around the house, everything is real. Even when exploring a completely different culture, we can all connect, relate, and identify with the scenes, which is what makes a good photography exhibition.
Michael created intriguing images by cleverly using light and shadow, printing only in black, gray, and white. From a distance, one image appears to be white paint on a black background, but up close, you can see a figure in action.
Critical Analysis
During the visit, you can almost experience the difficult moral dilemma in photographing an "Absent Presence," which Michael resolves by striving to become a fly on the wall from the start.
In photography, especially in extreme situations such as war, the photographers often faces a challenging moral dilemma. Instead of helping a soldier, they must focus on capturing the moment with their camera, even if it means not saving lives. This responsibility can be incredibly difficult for photographers, as they must maintain their detachment and remain in uncomfortable and dangerous situations to document the truth.*In Hebrew, the word "Sheifot" has a double meaning - desire, passion, setting goals and objectives and introducing air, smoke or gas into the lungs.
Some beautiful pictures were given titles that enhanced the sophistication of the piece.
I noticed the photograph "Aspiration," where two boys sat smoking, seemingly discussing their aspirations.
In Hebrew, the word "Aspiration = Sheifot" has a double meaning - desire, passion, setting goals and objectives and introducing air, smoke or gas into the lungs.
Several other aesthetic images were on display that I would gladly hang in my living room and admire.
Final Thoughts
This exhibition was one of the few photography exhibitions I have connected with over the years. Originally, I visited the museum for "Japanese Design Today 100" exhibition, but the poorly guided presentation did not hold my interest for long. Perhaps I visit museums to seek inspiration and contemplation, but a pencil just doesn't stir my emotions in the same way.
I promise to revisit the everyday design exhibition at the Japanese Museum for a second look to form a more informed opinion.
Recommendation
In the meantime, I highly recommend visiting Michael Sela's "Light on Skin" exhibition at the Japanese Museum in Haifa, Israel. The exhibition, curated by Etty Glass Gisis with assistance from Eden Schweitzer, runs from Sunday, June 23, 2024, to Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
Closing and Copyright
All the content in this post is my original work—written and photographed by me. Therefore, I kindly ask that you do not copy, reproduce, or distribute it without my permission (there are legal protections in place for this—more details here). If I ever use content from another source, I promise to clearly acknowledge it.
Credit: Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art Website and Michael Sela
I look forward to hearing your feedback, comments, and suggestions.
With love,
Me.
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