‘Ametsuchi’: Where Dreams and Ancient Traditions Converge
Imagine waking up from a dream, a vivid and surreal vision of a place you’ve never been, yet feeling an inexplicable connection to it. This is exactly what happened to the acclaimed photographer Rinko Kawauchi when she envisioned a stunning landscape that would become the heart of her ‘Ametsuchi’ series. In March 2016, during an interview for an exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, she shared the deeply personal and almost mystical experiences that guided her artistic journey.
The photograph, “Untitled, from the Series ‘Ametsuchi’,” captures the ancient practice of field-burning, known as noyaki, in the volcanic Kyushu region of southern Japan. Taken between 2009 and 2013, these images are more than mere documentation; they are a tribute to the harmony between humanity and nature, a relationship cultivated over 1300 years. The annual burning of grasslands prevents the encroachment of scrubland, maintaining the health of the ecosystem through a method as old as time.
Rinko Kawauchi’s connection to this place was profound and almost prophetic. Six months after dreaming of this beautiful landscape, she stumbled upon it on television. This serendipitous moment reaffirmed her belief in the power of intuition and the subtle guidance of the universe. Her childhood fascination with the “small voices and little things” seemed to culminate in this project, blending her innate sensitivity with a grand vision.
The series title, ‘Ametsuchi,’ translates to “heaven and earth,” reflecting Kawauchi’s contemplation of the elements and their eternal dance. Her large-format photographs demand attention, compelling viewers to step into a world where time stands still and the cycles of nature are revered. By capturing the controlled chaos of the burning fields, she highlights humanity’s role in shaping and preserving the environment.
During her interview, Kawauchi spoke about the empowering effect of the camera, describing it as a tool that places her in a unique and privileged position, almost that of a visionary. Her work transcends mere imagery, inviting us to see the world through her eyes and recognize the inherent order and beauty that lie within the chaos.
Rinko Kawauchi’s journey as a photographer began in the early 2000s, quickly establishing her as a unique voice in contemporary photography. Her breakout work, ‘Utatane,’ released in 2001, showcased her talent for capturing the ephemeral beauty in everyday moments. Her style is characterized by its poetic and contemplative nature, often focusing on themes of life, death, and the passage of time. Kawauchi’s ability to find profound meaning in the mundane has earned her a devoted following and numerous accolades in the art world.
Over the years, Kawauchi has continued to evolve her artistic vision, exploring new techniques and subjects while maintaining her distinctive ethereal style. Her work often bridges the gap between the intimate and the universal, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences and connections to the natural world. The ‘Ametsuchi’ series stands as a testament to her growth as an artist, blending her personal intuition with a deep respect for ancient traditions and the cycles of nature.
