Kei
“ Person on Top of the Sky ”
1997Excellence Award
ARTIST STATEMENT
Person on Top of the Sky
I sometimes fly to visit a person on the top of the sky. A few days ago, in front of a drugstore…a high school boy was about to give a handshake bashfully to a man dressed in a bear's costume, distributing balloons. The boy looked really happy as if he was shaking hands with God. His hand was trembling, and he bowed to the stuffed bear. His bow was from the bottom of his heart. My heart flew then. Maybe I could meditate by myself and go to the top of the sky, but I prefer going there via someone else (not necessarily a real person) with tears, which I shed when I am happy.
Selecting judge: Nobuyoshi Araki
Her father died. Pictures are impressive when there is death involved. Reality is shown. For example, this arm would surprise you. The overall work is good, but the presentation could be better. This kind of flower decoration should be discarded. Looking at these pictures, I can feel how she feels her sorrow and love for her father. His smile is attractive. It shows what photography can do. Her technique is good too. She grasps good scenes. Her self-sacrificing attitude is shown naturally in the pictures.
1997Excellence Award