Where Timeless Beauty Meets Modern Sensibility
Discover a New World Beyond the Photograph
Sya-Toki is an art form that breathes new life into contemporary photography, grounded in the traditional “E-Toki” technique. Through photographs embedded in hanging scrolls, we unravel the hidden stories and emotions behind them, inviting viewers to a deeper contemplation.
At Haikara-ya, many works by the rescued cat photographer Shintarrow are on display. He created the innovative concept of embedding photographs into hanging scrolls, elevating it into an art form known as “Sya-Toki.” This unique expression captures the fleeting beauty where tradition and modernity intersect, offering a new and profound experience for the viewer.
The Sya-Toki Process
- 1. Observation – Visual Analysis: Focus on the most striking elements in the photograph. Carefully observe the composition, colors, and use of light and shadow. This stage helps to understand the unique atmosphere and aesthetic elements of the photograph, revealing the subject’s inner world and the meaning of the moment.
- 2. Context – Background and Interpretation: Explore the background, history, and cultural context in which the photograph was taken. Delve into the story the photograph is trying to tell, understanding the time, place, and culture it is rooted in, and decipher the intentions behind the image.
- 3. Symbolism – Exploration of Symbols and Metaphors: Uncover the symbolic meanings and implications within the photograph. Investigate what the animals or landscapes represent and what messages the photograph conveys, offering a new perspective. Here, the deep emotions and narratives represented by the subject are brought to light.
- 4. Resonance – Dialogue with the Viewer: Engage with the emotions and thoughts that arise when viewing the photograph. Through this dialogue, the photograph becomes a lived experience within the viewer’s heart, transcending mere visual information. Quietly converse with your inner self and feel what the photograph is trying to convey.
- 5. Creation – Weaving a Narrative: Finally, reconstruct the elements you felt in the photograph into words, weaving them into a new narrative. Create a story born in your heart and, through it, build a new connection with the photograph. The photograph becomes an inspiration for creating new narratives by your hand.
– In Conclusion –
There is no right or wrong answer in “Sha-toki.” It is about discovering new perspectives and insights through conversations with others and self-reflection. Treasure what you feel through the photographs and freely weave your own narrative, following your intuition. There’s no need to overthink. Allow yourself to embark on an inner adventure that the photographs inspire, and enjoy the experience with a light heart.
“Sha-toki” – Awaken the stories that lie deep within your heart.