Tatsuyuki Okamoto, Ehime Cultural Prize Winner
AgeVenture News Service
In the time it takes some people to only learn their craft, Tatsuyuki Okamoto (photo left) has already perfected his talents and achieved a distinguished body of work. Born in Ehime, Japan in 1965, Tatsu's portfolio of achievements would be the envy of any aspiring photographer. Here's a listing of his Solo Exhibitions that are making this rising star someone you should know.
- 1989 "Raggamuffin Kingston" exhibition at WAVE in Tokyo.
- 1990 "Raggamuffin Kingston" exhibition at Konica Plaza in Tokyo.
- 1992 "Raggamuffin Kingston" exhibition at Zephyr in Fukuoka.
- 1993 "World Side New York" exhibition at Barneys New York / Gallery Via Eight in Tokyo.
- 1994 "Kingston Love" exhibition at Barneys New York in Yokohama.
- 1998 "Potalaka (The Pure Land) exhibition at Dentsu Kousan Gallery in Tokyo.
The popularity of this young man's unique brand of photography captured the attention of publishing companies, and it was not long before Tatsu had a list of four photography books to his credit. The photo (on the right) is a sample of how Tatsu manages to capture nature's beauty.
If all the exhibitions and book publications were not enough, Tatsu's latest photo book, "Potalaka: The Pure Land" received the Cultural Publication Prize from Ehime Prefecture as reported in the Ehime Cultural Publication, a supplement to the photographer's home town newspaper, "Ehime News". What a great way to start the New Millennium.
You are probably wondering what is the driving force behind this prolific new talent, so AgeVenture News (AVN) asked (TATSU) a few backgrounder questions.
AVN: How did you first become interested in photography?
TATSU: I made many friends while taking pictures during a tour of Jamaica. It was pleasantly surprising how my photo subjects developed into lasting friendships. It made me realize that photography is an excellent communication tool for developing relationships among fellow human beings despite our cultural differences.
AVN: How did your love of photography develop into a full time career?
TATSU: It's hard to think of myself in "career" terms. I guess I'm a work-in-progress. Still learning and experimenting with a variety of mediums and photographic styles.
AVN: What makes you tick, encourages you to get up each morning, determined to explore new areas.
TATSU: Every artist must have inspiration, and mine comes from my lovely wife, Mika. She inspires me to continually stretch my horizons, challenging my existing talents and taking them to higher levels of perfection.
AVN: The main body of your work to date focuses on the subject of nature scenes. Anything special you would like to share about this aspect of your work?
TATSU: I guess every artist eventually returns to his roots, his origins. I wanted to share the beauty of the historical mood of Shikoku where I grew up. Shikoku is a mystical island of ancient artifacts and unspoiled nature. For more than a thousand years, the spiritually adventurous have come to Shikoku, "the pure land" to take their journey of self-renewal. As a result, my photography was retrospective, revisiting Shikoku's ancient images that shaped my journey into manhood. The modern world had to wait until I completed my retrospective work.
AVN: With the mountain of work you have already accomplished, is it safe to say that you will rest and relax for awhile.
TATSU: For me there is no difference between work and relaxation because I love what I do. Art is what an artist is, not what an artist does. I'm constantly seeing and experiencing my world as an artist.
AVN: Interesting insight into the mind of an artist. So what's next for Tatsuyuki Okamoto?
TATSU: This summer I am working on a new photo book for publication in the year 2000. Since my return from a photography tour of Cuba, I''ve been organizing the pictures I took in a way that I hope will capture the essence of the Cuban spirit, its people, culture, and geography.
AVN: Tatsuyuki Okamoto is a rising star whose unique brand of photography captures the natural beauty that is the essence of human existence. As such, his work transcends typical barriers of culture, language, and geography. His work reminds us of our universal love and awe of nature's beauty. And the experience forges a common bond between all people. AgeVenture gives Tatsu's book, "Potalaka: The Pure Land" ... two thumbs up. Every American home should experience it. It makes the reader feel worldly. If you can't afford your own copy, recommend it to your local library for immediate acquisition.
For availability of "Potalaka: The Pure Land" (ISBN4-7713-0314-2), check your bookstore, or contact the author.
Tatsuyuki Okamoto
4-5-26 Kami-Osaki #4-401
Shinagawa, Tokyo 141-0021 JAPAN
TEL&FAX: 81-3-3495-4217
E-mail: isaacs@kk.iij4u.or.jp
Internet: Tatsuyuki Okamoto
David Demko reports on lifestyle issues and trends in Aging.
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