Akiyoshi Ito’s Photograph Exhibition held in Paris to let people know about the beautiful ocean of Okinawa

Akiyoshi Ito's Photograph Exhibition held in Paris to let people know about the beautiful ocean of Okinawa

At the Aquarium Porte Doree in Paris, Ito (center) explains his work to Jacques Toubon, a former Minister of Culture.


March 12, 2012 Yoko Oshiro correspondent of the Ryukyu Shimpo

Artist Akiyoshi Ito, who is famous for his underwater photography, is holding an exhibition in the Tropical Aquarium Porte Doree in Paris from February 2 to March 15. This is the second such exhibition to be held overseas, following that held in the Smithsonian Museum in 2005. It was made possible thanks to support from the director of the aquarium, Michel Hignette. Former Minister of Culture Jacques Toubon who attended the reception took his time to enjoy each of the works, and asked Ito many detailed questions.

About 80% of the works are underwater photographs of the sea around Okinawa and some depict scenes that no longer exist because of the effects of coral bleaching.

His stereoscopic and brilliantly colored works attracted the attention of many people. The visitors to the exhibition were fascinated when they heard that the pictures’ strong colors are not retouched, but represent the original color of the creatures when exposed to light.

Ito commented, “It is important to show the quality of the underwater world in the most beautiful way possible. I believe that if people could make contact with nature through my work they will be able to enhance their awareness of nature. I think that this is the mission of an artist.”

The next exhibition is scheduled to be held on the Arinari National Museum of Photography in Italy in September.

(English translation by T&CT, Shinako Oyakawa and Mark Ealey)

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