Twee gezichten op de Koraku-en tuinen in Okayama, Japan before 1893

Kazumasa Ogawa captured these two photographs of the Koraku-en Gardens in Okayama, Japan, using the collotype printing process, which yields rich tonal variations. The images, presented side-by-side, invite us into spaces where nature and design intertwine. In both views, the gardens unfold with meticulously arranged trees, water, and architectural elements. Ogawa plays with the formal elements of reflection and symmetry, inviting a conversation about the viewer’s role in constructing meaning. The photographs use light and shadow to articulate forms, emphasizing surface texture. Notice how the water is a mirror, yet also a dynamic surface with ripples that distort the reflected images. Ogawa’s work engages with ideas of landscape and representation, reflecting on how we perceive and interact with constructed environments. These images aren't just records; they are meditations on the relationship between nature, culture, and perception. They highlight the interplay between reality and representation, challenging us to consider how constructed environments shape our understanding of the natural world.