shashasha

"What is Good?", the debut book by Japanese photographer Kisshomaru Shimamura, presents a selection of photographs taken over a period of more than ten years in the artist's life. The snapshot-like photographs isolate single moments or subjects; Shimamura always makes his point clear. The images appear light and ephemeral, but when viewed in sequence, they soon convey a sense of positive melancholy that is difficult to describe. Through his photography, Shimamura gently reminds us that life is finite, and that when we find something good, it's best to hold on.

“No one knows what path the world will take in the future. We do not know when wars and conflicts – which no one wants – will stop, nor can we avoid disasters and climate change. That is why each of us must take on an individual perspective, be considerate of those who are next to us or close to us, and continue to communicate with the world, loving ourselves and others.”
― from Kisshomaru Shimamura’s afterword