Sandō Compositions (2024)
Ten photographs
Archival pigment print
"Sandō" denotes the pathway leading to a shrine, while "Keidai" pertains to the premises of shrines or temples. “Keidai”, represented in Chinese characters as "境内," translates directly to "inside the border." Consequently, Sandō and Kaidai are locations where one can visually perceive and sense the boundary or territory.
To sanctify the abode of the deities and their own consciousness, the shrine grounds are meticulously maintained by priests and priestesses to ensure a pristine and orderly environment. Nevertheless, contrary to this intention, the condition of the grounds is perpetually evolving, as fallen leaves disperse and gravel accumulates.
At first, Kono was captivated by the serendipitous composition and observed the scene; however, over time, the perpetually evolving tableau along the approach road began to resemble a microcosm of the world. These photographs depict the shrine grounds, where natural and artificial elements conflict, alongside the intricate compositions formed by gravel and fallen leaves.
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神社の境内はその名が示す通り、境界や領域を強く意識させる場所である。
神の住処を清めるため、そして自らの心を清めるため、境内は神主や巫女らによって清掃され、整然としたさまが保たれている。しかしその意図に反して、落ち葉が散ったり、砂利が乗り上げたりと、その状態は絶えず変化している。
当初は、偶然性が生み出す構図に惹かれてその様子を観察していたが、次第に参道を舞台に絶え間なく変化するその光景が、まるで世界の縮図のように思えてきた。これらの写真は、天意と人為がせめぎ合いながら入り混じる境内の様子を、砂利や落ち葉が生み出すコンポジションの豊かさとともに捉えている。
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開催中／ON VIEW
“Sandō Compositions” at CANDLE CAFE & Laboratory Δ||, Tokyo
21 Feb - 23 March, 2025
Info
https://www.instagram.com/p/DFwMPiXSnYA/