Of all the 15 countries visited by Takashi Itozawa, a 36-year- old Japanese artist and photographer, Ukraine — Luhansk oblast, to be precise — was the only one to accord him such hospitality and with such open hearts that they organized three one-man shows of his pictures in public places and with free admission. Mr. Itozawa said that such exhibits in his native Japan would cost a huge amount of money, so he is immensely grateful to his Luhansk colleagues for their all-embracing cooperation. On their part, people in Luhansk are thankful to the Japanese master for letting them into a world of art photography, or rather an aspect they have never seen before. Yuri Khromushyn, winner in a number of international photo contests, describes the works of his overseas colleague like this: “Poetry with the most striking symbols and colors found in nature. Whatever location Takashi chooses, the Japanese style is always present, captivating the viewer.”
Another characteristic is that every photo is very laconic. The photographer can spot and immortalize a single most meaningful instant. “Perhaps because I do not like long stories,” Mr. Itozawa admits. He also believes his Luhansk colleagues are top professionals and is very sorry they lack the modern equipment that would make it possible for them to reveal their skill in full. If only they could get Japanese equipment!
Luhansk has hosted two Itozawa exhibits, one at the City Executive Committee and the other at the Gorky Library. Another is being prepared at the city’s puppet theater, commemorating a premiere using Itozawa’s own puppets.
