ZEN (2020)

ZEN is a series of four photography diptychs of myself with a Buddha outfit and makeup. In all four of them, the picture on the left side represents my ideal self, and the one on the right side represents reality. My intention behind this arrangement is to show the contrast between those pairs by placing them side-by-side. Also, for some of those pictures representing reality, I purposely made them appear as I am subtly glaring at the ideal versions.

 

I chose this topic particularly not only for expressing my alter ego of being a zen person but also because I was interested in exploring my identity as a Japanese and as a Buddhist who grew up with implicit expectations to be calm and reserved. As intended, the reality side depicts my reactions to those expectations in a rather casual yet natural manner, looking almost exhausted or even giving up.

 

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