EXHIBITION

5th - 23th December 2024

IRON RIBBONKazuhei Kimura

A photo exhibition will be held at THE BOOK END from December 5 (Thursday) to commemorate the release of the photo book “IRON RIBBON”.

Many of the photographs in the series “Ishi to momo,” which I have been working on in recent years, were shot with set-ups according to storyboards at long-established hotels that I visited on trips with my partner. This work, “Iron Ribbon,” was composed primarily of photographs taken during the periods in between those productions. We like classic hotels, and we decide where to travel to based on whether or not a city has a hotel that we like. The hotel takes precedence over the sights, the food, and the scenery.

Before I started photography, when I was still a fashion-obsessed teenager, I came across a choker at a multi-brand store I frequented. It was a ribbon made of iron. Just as the word “ribbon” suggests, it was a choker made of iron bent into the shape of a ribbon, and was the work of Shinji Nakaba. It looked elegant and lovely, but it was hard, sharp, and cold to the touch. It was very expensive for me at the time, but I was strongly attracted by the coexistence of these contradictory qualities and purchased it without hesitation.

I have given away many of the items I purchased in my teenage years as my preferences evolved. However, I have not parted with this iron ribbon; instead, I keep it with me with great care. This is because I love it with as much passion as I did ever since I obtained it.

My partner is someone who is like a ribbon made of iron. Her long hair and silent back make me think so. She usually looks pleasant and easygoing, but she is always calm and has a unique elegance and strength of will. I find the coexistence of these qualities fascinating.



Kazuhei Kimura
Born in 1993 in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture. Resides in Tokyo. Won the Judge's Encouragement Prize (selected by Nozomi Himeno) at the 19th Photography 1_WALL and the Grand Prix at IMA next #6 “Black&White”. Major solo exhibitions include “Ishi to momo” (Roll) in 2022, 23, 24, “Atarashii mado” (BOOK AND SONS/book obscura) in 2020, and “Sodemaku/Todai” (B gallery) in 2019. Major photo books include “IRON RIBBON” (libraryman), “Atarashii mado (Akaakasha), “Mizuumi awaumi” (daughter), “NEW GENTLEMEN” (IMA photobooks/GUCCI), "Sodemaku", and "Todai" (both aptp).

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