6 photograph set, each 1/1 Edition.

I lived in and traveled through Japan for 3 months which allowed me to witness Japan’s customs both traditional and modern. 

Photos share the concept of Noren (a traditional half curtain divider found at the entrances) and how the Japanese create pockets of isolation in their lives which are already crowded. This creates a lot of opportunity and composition for the street photographer. My camera pointed itself towards these scenes as if magnetized.

Japan Collection: Behind the Veil

Kyoto Gion Matsuri night

The function of Noren (half covered drapes often found in the entrance of Japanese stores/restaurants/bars/etc.) in Japanese restaurants and bars, is replaced this time by a convenient blurred glass that covers the patron’s faces. It is upside down. 

Usually Noren covers from top to mid bottom, so it is rarer to see the inside of the store. 

This method however invoked a greater sense of mystery for myself. I was drawn to wonder who were the people within, what were their lives like. Were they regulars or just happened to be there.


Blurred Glass