220 Oswa Park c. 1895

Editor: This photograph, "220 Oswa Park" by Enami Nobukuni, depicts a serene Japanese garden. The composition seems very intentional. What do you see in this piece from a historical perspective? Curator: This hand-colored albumen print likely served as a souvenir for Western tourists. Consider how these images shaped perceptions of Japan, often romanticizing or exoticizing the culture for foreign consumption. Editor: That’s interesting! So it was more than just a pretty picture; it played a role in cultural exchange, or perhaps misrepresentation? Curator: Exactly. It prompts us to question whose gaze is prioritized and the power dynamics inherent in the creation and circulation of such imagery. Editor: I never thought of it that way. It gives me a lot to consider about the role of art and photography in shaping international relations. Curator: Indeed. It's a glimpse into the past, but also a reflection of ongoing issues of representation.