KYOTOGRAPHIE, Japan's biggest photography festival, opened on April 12 with exhibitions across 15 venues throughout Kyoto.
Among the highlights is the work of internationally renowned French artist JR, who photographed 505 Kyoto residents and transformed their portraits into stunning large-scale artworks.These are on display in the north passage of the Kyoto Station Building and at the Kyoto Shimbun Building.
JR is known for capturing the diverse faces of city dwellers around the world. He cuts out individual portraits and integrates them into cityscapes to form massive murals, which are then exhibited on city walls.
At Kyoto Station Building, a panoramic photograph 22.55 meters wide and 5 meters tall, titled "The Chronicles of Kyoto, Close Up, Japan, 2024," was unveiled. The work invites people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and reflect on the contemporary spirit of Kyoto.
In a former printing factory at the Kyoto Shimbun Building, 10 of the participants are featured as 3D "giants," standing 8 to 9 meters tall.
Recordings of their voices accompany the installation, sharing stories about their work and lives, creating an immersive space to learn about the individuals behind the images.
JR described Kyoto as having a distinct atmosphere, combining a sense of calm with a unique vitality.
Now in its 13th edition since launching in 2013, this year’s KYOTOGRAPHIE features works by both Japanese and international photographers, including Mao Ishikawa and Martin Parr. The festival runs through May 11.
