Kazuyuki Kawahara: Intimacy Over Generation
To depict the bond developed from the relationship between the 80 years apart great grand-daughter and great grand-mother; that desire is the energy that drives me to take photographs.
My grandmother's wrinkled hand coverings, as if to accept the days of loss as she ages. My growing daughter's small hand which she hands out as far as possible to see the wide world. The moment when these two hands overlap, I feel the relationship between lives.
Every day, she plows the fields, sows the seeds, and waters the plants. The accumulation of my grandmother's humble daily life makes the beautiful flowers bloom. I want to pass on these feelings to my daughter.
Amor Diaz: Tell us about your beginnings as a photographer? When and why did you begin photographing your family?
Kazuyuki Kawahara: My start in photography was 15 years ago when I photographed my grandparents. When I gave the printed photos to my grandparents, they were very happy. That is when I discovered the joy of photography. My grandparents in the photographs were heroes to me. That emotion brought back memories of my childhood. My grandparents taught me about life just by standing before my camera.
AD: How's your process today? Do you capture candid, everyday moments? Or do you now plan, style, and direct your photo shoots?
KK: My work is a mix of capturing everyday moments and directed photography. I believe that family photography needs to be approached from both non-directed and directed aspects. Photographing everyday moments is like a letter to the future, while directed photos are like a charm to the past.
AD: How was it to grow up in Toyoma? What can you tell our readers about this beautiful city?
KK: Toyama Prefecture is located right in the center of Japan. Surrounded by the sea and mountains, I can enjoy the beautiful and varied nature of the four seasons. Although there are harsh living conditions, such as hot summers and lots of snow in winter, I feel that this is a town where one can feel the benefits of nature all year round.
AD: How has your background and city influenced your work?
KK: My hometown was in the countryside with rice paddies and fields surrounding my house. When I was a child, the river, rice fields, and forests were my playground. I grew up watching my grandparents' backs as they grew vegetables and flowers in the fields. I think I learned that we need clean water, soil, wind, and light to live and that we need to continue to protect them. I would like to pass on these feelings to my daughters.
AD: We love these two photographs, can you tell us the story behind them?
KK: This is my grandmother. She is 88 years old. This picture was taken at my grandmother's house. My grandmother lives to grow vegetables and flowers in her field. She offers those flowers to my grandfather's Buddhist altar every day. The photo has the effect of showing a different side of a close family member than usual. For me, the expression on my grandmother's face looked like that of a young girl.
AD: Which one is your favorite photograph? And why?
KK: This is my favorite piece. The consistent theme of my photography is intimacy over generations. My grandmother has a bad leg and cannot walk long distances. So, this is a picture of her walking, with her little daughter holding her hand and acting as a cane. This light captures the intimacy I want to express.
AD: What photographers do you admire? Who has influenced your work?
KK: Japanese photographers I admire are Rinko Kawauchi and Hiroo Kikai. Their works make me question the meaning of life.
AD: Has the pandemic impacted your work?
KK: I think the pandemic gave me positives. The reason is simple. Because I have more time to spend with my family and I realized the importance of everyday life.
AD: What's next for you? Are you working on any new projects?
KK: My photo exhibition will be held in Tokyo this fall. I would like to publish my photo book in the future.