I'm So Happy You Are Here -
Japanese Women Photographers
From The 1950s To Now
24.05.2025 - 07.09.2025
Group exhibition
Fotografie Forum Frankfurt
The influence of women in Japanese photography has been greatly underestimated. While the work of male Japanese photographers has been internationally recognized, their female colleagues have remained under the radar. The female artists presented in this exhibition mostly work independently and experimentally. They use their personal stories to explore the role of women, raise questions about gender and identity and challenge patriarchal norms.
With I'M SO HAPPY YOU ARE HERE, the Fotografie Forum Frankfurt (FFF) presents a revolutionary look at Japanese
photography from the 1950s to the present day. The focus is on female photographers and their perspective on everyday life and
society in Japan. Co-curator Takeuchi Mariko: "This exhibition celebrates the diversity and individuality of Japanese women photographers and offers a fresh look to rediscover Japanese photography. Most importantly, it serves as a platform to empower voices that have long been marginalized and to envision a more tolerant and empowering future."
The exhibition examines these aspects in four different but interconnected chapters: "The Pioneers" provides an overview of the women who have paved the way since the introduction of the medium in Japan. "The Elevation of the Everyday" brings together a look at everyday life and its poetic interpretations. In "Critical Perspectives on Self, Gender, and Society", the photographers explore identity and society. "Extensions of and Experiments with the Medium" explores a range of expanded approaches to the photographic. The diversity of cross-generational perspectives gathered here is a testament to the strength and innovation of Japanese women photographers. Their works provide a fascinating exploration of the medium of photography.
Artists: Hara Mikiko, Hiromix, Ishikawa Mao, Ishiuchi Miyako, Katayama Mari, Kawauchi Rinko, Komatsu Hiroko, Kon Michiko, Nagashima Yurie, Narahashi Asako, Ninagawa Mika, Nishimura Tamiko, Noguchi Rika, Nomura Sakiko, Okabe Momo, Okanoue Toshiko, Onodera Yuki, Sawada Tomoko, Shiga Lieko, Sugiura Kunié, Tawada Yuki, Tokiwa Toyoko, Ushioda Tokuko, Watanabe Hitomi, Yamazawa Eiko, Yanagi Miwa
Fotografie Forum Frankfurt
Braubachstraße 30-32
60311 Frankfurt am Main
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