Photographer Yokonami Osamu, who works primarily in fashion magazines and advertising and has published photobooks overseas, has released the photobook "PRIMAL."

The book is the latest in his long-running series of photographs featuring children, "100 Children" and "1000 Children." In this latest work, the children's ages have been lowered to 2-3 years old, the shoot has been outdoors, and the subjects are nude. While the concept of pursuing individuality and self-awareness remains the same, the new work breaks away from the regularity seen in his previous works, resulting in a more primitive, unvarnished work that captures the true, unadulterated expressions and individuality of human beings.




In addition, a photo exhibition titled "PRIMAL" will be held from June 1st to 23rd at BOOK AND SONS, a second-hand bookstore located near Gakugeidaigaku Station in Meguro Ward, Tokyo, which specializes in graphic design books with a focus on typography. During the exhibition, a photography event will also be planned for children around the age of two, just like the works. Advance applications will begin on May 15th.




Yokonami commented on this exhibition as follows: "In my previous work, 1000children, I placed 3-5 year old girls in the same situation, highlighting their individual personalities. For this latest project, PRIMAL, I tried shooting a slightly younger group of boys and girls, aged between 2 and 3 years old. By photographing even younger girls, I was able to encounter expressions I never expected, which was a source of surprise and discovery. I was left with an indescribable feeling, a strange mixture of elation and a sense of accomplishment. They weren't consciously making these expressions; they emerged from their subconscious. Adding the element of nudity and using the sky as a backdrop accentuated their wild side. I became convinced that the earnest gazes that lie in their unconscious are intrinsically connected to the animal instincts that humans possess. When their wild side is brought to light, perhaps the soul and spiritual roots that lie within the body lurk in the unconscious. I am fascinated and seduced by this unknown talent, and I sense infinite possibilities there. There must be a connection between the past and the future deep in their eyes. I believe in that."








【Artist Profile】
Osamu Yokonami
After graduating from Visual Arts College Osaka, he worked in the photography department of Bunka Publishing Bureau before going independent.
In addition to shooting for fashion magazines such as "Milk," "SPUR," "FIGAROjapon," and "Soen," as well as advertising, he has worked in a wide range of genres, including CD jacket photography.
Photobooks include "Nan no kenai," "100Children," "Assembly," "Sasayama," and "MIZUGI." http://www.yokonamiosamu.jp/
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