7 Sept 2023
Rei, 17 years old. Asuka, 30 years old. Sasaki 60 years old. Yoko, 37 years old.
Behind these names and ages amongst 116 others lies the real story of Japenese women that were given a Fuji disposable camera. Their mission: to convey their emotions through the mean of photography. You feel an emotion? You shot the subject of that emotion. Since the beginning of the project in 2019, Thomas Kimmerlin Poupart has gathered more than 3,000 images as part of the project showcased as an installation at 229 LAB that aims to offer an exploration of these women’s intimate feelings, but in all privacy.
A photographic portrait of Japenese women, by Japenese women.
The Utsurundesu camera, launched by Fuji in 1986 and known for its ease of use, saw immense success with 50 million annual sales in the 1990s. This project distributes disposable cameras to diverse women, echoing the pioneering spirit while expanding perspectives. Each participant contributes to a collective artwork. The Utsurundesu, once personal, becomes a documentary tool.
Through their photos, the participants transmit what defines them: their family, their spirituality, their country, their culture, their suffering. The project includes a sound collection phase, allowing participants to discuss their images, meanings, and emotions. Additionally, it examines how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted participants’ lives and emotional expressions.
From a camera, to an artistic exploration of emotions and identity.
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[EXHIBITION] · ÉPREUVES SENTIMENTALES, 120 Japanese women tell their stories in photos - By Thomas Kimmerlin Poupart
Meeting with Thomas Kimmerlin Poupart - the photographer behind the project and in the presence of a Japanese participant, with a tasting of organic sencha green tea from Maison Toka (Kyōto) and a Japanese pastry of the day.
Thomas Kimmerlin Poupart (1976) - @mightytom is a French photographer and documentary filmmaker currently based in Kyoto. Thomas started discovering Japan 15 years ago. Since then, his artistic research in Japan lead him to focus on the relationship of Japanese women and their intimacy. Be it through shooting for “Mighty Nudes Japan” (2018) or “Flash My Booth” (2019).
