One of Uma’s most
interesting medium choices was her use of paper. Her images were printed
on Japanese traditional hand-screened paper called “Kamikawasaki-washi” from Nihonmatsu,
Fukushima Prefecture. Because of this
intentional choice, these images have a strong connection to the region they
depict. This allows viewers who
understand the depth of this paper to immediately understand Uma’s intentions. In addition, the choice of black and white
images, I believe, is essential to completing the emotion Uma is striving for.
Since
Uma’s photos had been taken within evacuation zones, I felt the solemn mood
right away. The blurred and scratchy
images, gave them a forgotten and abandoned emotion. These feelings can easily be found in nuclear
situations from all of the death and destruction that surrounds. Through trial
and careful consideration of method and material, deeper emotions are visibly
present in all of this series.
Although
I have never experienced any of the topics Uma is touching on, I feel the
solemn nature she is addressing. She has
created a porthole of sorts allowing one to travel to these moments, which
greatly impacted her. Photographing a
memory lost is not any easy task, but her attempt and effort has greatly paid
off, and allows for an experience very few could portray.
No comments:
Post a Comment