Taiga Kyomoto of the popular group SixTONES will be holding his first photo exhibition, "Perspective and Starting Point," at the art gallery SAI in MIYASHITA PARK in Shibuya, Tokyo, from March 3rd. A press conference was held on the 2nd, where Kyomoto spoke about what prompted him to hold the exhibition and the works he is particularly fond of.
The impetus for holding the photo exhibition was Kyomoto's first solo photo book, "Retrace.", which was released on his 30th birthday last December. "The concept was to follow the last year of my 20s as I visited various places, and I took photos of myself at each of those places," he said.
Shooting for the photo book will begin in December 2023. "After about half a year, I shared the photos I had taken with the staff, and they would say things like, 'So that's what you were taking photos of,' or 'That's what I was wondering about,' and it gave me confidence that maybe I have my own perspective. I also thought that since I had the chance, I could share with everyone the scenery I've seen in my last year of my twenties in a different form than the photo book, so I decided to hold the event," he said.
Regarding the title "Perspective and Starting Point," he said, "Firstly, I wanted to include the word 'perspective' from the staff's words, but at the same time, the word 'starting point', which is pronounced the same way, came to mind, and I felt like there was some kind of connection. "It may be presumptuous, but by sharing the scenery and perspectives I have seen with everyone, if it becomes an opportunity to remember the start of something, or something that you have always wanted to do but forgot about, then I thought it would be wonderful, and it would give more meaning to me holding this exhibition."
The venue will feature 97 pieces of work that Kyomoto shot over the course of a year. When he first selected the photos, there were about 500 of them, he recalled, "I had to cut the number down to a level that wouldn't tire everyone out, so I thought it would be about 100. It was frustrating, but I cut it down to 400." He was particular about the venue selection, printing, and lighting in the exhibition space, and said, "I'm really grateful to the staff for allowing me to express my selfishness 100%."
Of particular importance to him is the work entitled "And Fly," which captures the moment of a butterfly taking off vigorously from a single flower. "I knew the moment I took the photo that I definitely wanted to show it at the exhibition. It's also one of the goods (for sale at the exhibition), and for me it's a kind of miraculous moment, or a precious memory," he said.
She also revealed that since she started carrying a camera, her interest in living things has grown. "I think the way they live and the way they live is really wonderful. I've never been good with insects, but for some reason, when I see them through my lens, I no longer feel that way. I even got close to a bee. I feel like I should just carry my camera with me all the time, because now I find insects that I used to dislike very endearing," she said with a smile.
The photo exhibition will run until the 24th. Tickets for all dates have sold out, but it has been decided that an online version will be held. "We received so many applications, and more people than I could have ever imagined said they wanted to see it, so we decided to hold it online, hoping that those who can't come in person will be able to get a taste of the world of this exhibition. We are still working out the details, so we hope you will look forward to it," he said.
