Current Exhibition
Ryogoku
GALLERY MoMo Ryogoku is pleased to present the exhibition “S(e)oulmate”, from Saturday, October 26 to Sunday, November 24, in conjunction with the release of the photobook “S(e)oulmate”, by photographer Kotori Kawashima and actor Asami Usuda.
Kawashima has long focused on capturing people and their surrounding landscapes. As he mentioned in an interview (IMA / 2019), "Rather than capturing a subject in opposition, it’s as if my consciousness swings entirely over to them—maybe not merging, but somehow becoming one.” With this approach, Kawashima draws out the personal narratives embedded within each subject and setting.
This exhibition is based on "S(e)oulmate", a photobook created by Kawashima and Usuda during three visits to Seoul in December 2023, January, and March 2024. Within the crisp winter air, Kawashima gently captures Usuda’s expressions, revealing her hopes and anxieties. Through these subtle glimpses into Usuda’s inner world, Kawashima’s portrayal of Seoul also resonates with a distinctive emotional depth. We invite viewers to experience the unique atmosphere of their shared journey.
Simultaneously, GALLERY MoMo Projects (Roppongi) host an exhibition from Saturday, October 26 to Saturday, November 23, celebrating the re-release of Kawashima’s iconic work "Miraichan". Published in 2011, "Miraichan" became a sensation, selling over 130,000 copies worldwide. The photobook, featuring Kawashima’s friend’s child as the subject, has captivated audiences worldwide with its powerful vitality, exhibited in cities such as Paris and Taipei.
Alongside "Miraichan," Kawashima also released the photobook Vocalise, which showcases summer scenes from various parts of Europe. The title “Vocalise” refers to a singing technique using only vowels, capturing a fresh, unscripted world perspective seen through Miraichan’s eyes.
We hope you enjoy this dual exhibition: "Miraichan", a foundational work that defined Kawashima’s journey as an artist, and "S(e)oulmate", a new collaborative venture that embodies shared sentiments between Kawashima and Usuda. We invite you to explore these two pivotal works that mark both the starting point and a new chapter for Kawashima.
[Photobook | S(e)oul mate]
We are pleased to present the photobook Soulmate, shot Asami Usuda in Seoul, South Korea, by Kotori Kawashima. Their photo sessions took place over three visits in December 2023, January 2024, and March 2024, under the clear winter skies of Seoul.
What do we encounter when we wander aimlessly through unfamiliar places, detached from our daily routines? This book gently captures Usuda’s anxieties, hopes, acceptance, and resolve, as she faces a potential turning point in her life. These emotions are depicted through the insightful lens of photographer Kotori Kawashima, a fellow artist also at an important moment in his career.
Accompanied by prose from their admired singer-songwriter, Ayano Kaneko, this photobook brings their shared experiences to life. We invite you to immerse yourself in this unique journey.
Kotori Kawashima
Kotori Kawashima
Born in 1980, Kawashima graduated from Waseda University with a degree in French Literature. His major photobooks include “BABY BABY” (2007), “Miraichan” (2011), “Akeboshi” (2014), “Oyasumi Kamitachi” (2014, co-authored with Shuntaro Tanikawa), “Tobimasu” (2019, co-authored with Yosuke Kobashi), and “Good Morning, Hello, I Love You” (2020). Kawashima is the recipient of the 42nd Kodansha Publishing Culture Award in Photography and the 40th Kimura Ihei Award.
Asami Usuda
Notable works include films such as “shikisoku zeneration” (2009), “Kabocha and Mayonnaise” (2017), “Diary of a Fictitious OL” (2020), “Hold Me Back” (2020), “Brats Be Ambitious” (2022), and TV dramas “Brush Up Life” (Nihon TV) and “The Four Brothers of the Yuzuki Family”(NHK). She won Best Supporting Actress at the 39th Yokohama Film Festival for her role in “Gukoroku” (2017).
