Photographer Mika Ninagawa, known for her vibrantly colorful work, is holding a photo exhibition titled "LUCKY STAR NINAGAWA MEN & WOMEN" from April 26th to May 6th at Space O in Omotesando Hills. The exhibition, whose catchphrase is "I think cool girls and boys are national treasures!", showcases approximately 180 portraits from her two photobooks, "NINAGAWA MEN 1" and "NINAGAWA WOMEN 2" (Kodansha), published in January. Focusing on works taken over the past few years, the exhibition showcases a lavish display of enlarged panels showcasing Ninagawa's latest stars, including Erika Sawajiri, Momoiro Clover Z, and Osamu Mukai, all shining with a more colorful and powerful glow. The exhibition's displays are based on a "STAR" motif, with the photos uniquely arranged to form a star shape when viewed from above. A reception party was held on the 25th, the day before the opening, and was attended by celebrities associated with Ninagawa's photography, including Kaneko Nobuaki, who was also a model in the photos.
We spoke to Ninagawa about this exhibition.
--About the "LUCKY STAR NINAGAWA MEN&WOMEN" exhibition:
The finished photos have very strong colors, so it often seems like I'm giving instructions to the subjects, but basically I just create the set and leave the rest up to them once the shoot begins. That's how I capture the shining parts of people who shine.
The person who left the biggest impression on me was... Erika Sawajiri (star of his film "Helter Skelter"). After all, we've worked together on so many projects over the past year.
Also, I've had the experience of shooting with actors like Mukai Osamu and Ayano Go, and thinking, "This person is definitely great," and then they went on to become hugely popular. It may sound strange to say it myself, but sometimes I think I have a good sense of smell.
--The title of this issue is "LUCKY STAR." Who do you personally consider to be your "LUCKY STAR"?
I consider myself a lucky star (laughs). It's a phrase I really like, and the name of my company, "LUCKY STAR," was chosen with the idea that my company is a lucky star. I feel like a lot of happy things happen to shining people, so I want to be at the center of those people.
--Is there a difference between the way I feel when photographing men and women?
There are quite a few. When I photograph women, I experience a variety of emotions. Sometimes I feel like they're a friend, sometimes like an older sister, sometimes like a mother, and sometimes I feel more masculine, so I photograph them from a variety of perspectives. Also, because I feel like we're "comrades," I often end up with the cool, feminine image that I like. On the other hand, when I photograph men, I become like a young girl (laughs) and press the shutter thinking, "He looks so cool!" It feels like I'm seeing his cool side from the best seat in the front row and sharing it with everyone.
--Is there a difference between photographing people and photographing objects or landscapes?
Basically, it's the same in that you fall in love with the person or object and photograph them. The key is how much you can fall in love with them... When photographing people, you're with them, so I think it's important to be able to build a relationship of trust.
--Who would you like to photograph next? Is there anyone you're interested in right now?
I'm greedy, so I'd like to photograph everyone I haven't photographed yet, but I'd also like to photograph beautiful mature women close to my age, like Rie Miyazawa or Ryoko Yonekura. I haven't had the chance to meet them yet, so I haven't actually met them yet.
Limited edition merchandise, including collaboration items with "mastermind," will be on sale at the photo exhibition, which will only be available at the venue. There will also be talk shows featuring Mika Ninagawa and special guests during the exhibition.
[Event Information]
Mika Ninagawa Photo Exhibition LUCKY STAR NINAGAWA MEN&WOMEN
Dates: Friday, April 26th to Monday, May 6th
Location: Space O, B3F, Omotesando Hills Main Building
Opening hours: 11am to 9pm, until 8pm on April 29th, and until 6pm on May 6th (final day)
Admission is free
