PAPA
When people experience something firsthand, they feel that it truly exists. In that moment, a new reality emerges in their minds. Even if we can’t precisely describe or define that feeling, the very act of experiencing it instills a strong belief that it might be real. Ultimately, whether we choose to believe in it determines if it’s accepted as genuine reality or dismissed as mere illusion. I have captured this mix of reality and illusion under the theme ‘PAPA’
-Koesy / Shura Uryu
-Koesy / Shura Uryu
NAGI’24
November 2024, I published the photo-book ‘NAGI’24’ at Kozel N Ant. Although ‘NAGI’ (凪) is a Japanese term meaning calmness and tranquility, the photographs go beyond mere serenity to capture the subtle emotions and complex realities that we might otherwise overlook. While the images may not speak explicitly, their silence is imbued with endless narratives and stories.
楽園
RAKUEN
I grew up with parents who both worked.
As a child, I was raised by my grandmother, and because of that, I was very attached to her.
I later heard that when I was little, I even mistook my grandmother for my mother, which made my actual mother quite upset.
My grandmother was always healthy she never had any major illnesses and never burdened our family with worries about her health.
But in 2023, she was diagnosed with dementia.
That same year, both of her sons passed away from liver cancer, just one month apart.
The doctors said the shock of their passing may have accelerated her dementia.
There was only one thing I could do
record my grandmother in the way I knew best.
Now, she often forgets even the existence of her two sons.
But sometimes, I wonder
if the absence of those memories brings her peace,
perhaps that is a small blessing in itself.
I named this project RAKUEN 楽園
for a reason.
I believe in the existence of RAKUEN.
To me, RAKUEN is a place that opens its doors to those who have loved, sacrificed, and devoted themselves to others.
My grandmother dedicated her entire life to her family.
She gave up her life as a woman to protect and provide for her loved ones.
When she leaves this world,
one question will remain in my heart
"Did she make it to RAKUEN?"
This project is still ongoing,
and I am documenting it solely through medium format Polaroid photography, a method I deeply cherish.
As a child, I was raised by my grandmother, and because of that, I was very attached to her.
I later heard that when I was little, I even mistook my grandmother for my mother, which made my actual mother quite upset.
My grandmother was always healthy she never had any major illnesses and never burdened our family with worries about her health.
But in 2023, she was diagnosed with dementia.
That same year, both of her sons passed away from liver cancer, just one month apart.
The doctors said the shock of their passing may have accelerated her dementia.
There was only one thing I could do
record my grandmother in the way I knew best.
Now, she often forgets even the existence of her two sons.
But sometimes, I wonder
if the absence of those memories brings her peace,
perhaps that is a small blessing in itself.
I named this project RAKUEN 楽園
for a reason.
I believe in the existence of RAKUEN.
To me, RAKUEN is a place that opens its doors to those who have loved, sacrificed, and devoted themselves to others.
My grandmother dedicated her entire life to her family.
She gave up her life as a woman to protect and provide for her loved ones.
When she leaves this world,
one question will remain in my heart
"Did she make it to RAKUEN?"
This project is still ongoing,
and I am documenting it solely through medium format Polaroid photography, a method I deeply cherish.
Torukoma
It captures the scenes of Morocco as seen from inside a car.
Sometimes, the events unfolding outside feel even more special when viewed from within.
