Experience the Depths of Light and Time
From July 11 to September 15, 2025, the Tojo Kaikan Photo Institute in Chiyoda, Tokyo, will host a groundbreaking exhibition titled "Tempusgraph: Expanding the Horizons of Photography," featuring acclaimed artist and photographer Ryosuke Toyama. This exhibition invites visitors to reflect on both the historical and future landscapes of photographic expression.
Photography has long been influenced by human fascination with light and natural phenomena. As we navigate a world increasingly shaped by advancements in artificial intelligence, Ryosuke Toyama seeks to revisit the roots of photography, focusing on the fundamental "phenomenon of light". He has pioneered a unique technique called "Tempusgraph", which translates to capturing the essence of time through imagery.
The term "Tempus" signifies time, while "graph" denotes drawing, indicating the interplay between these two elements in Toyama's work. At its core, the Tempusgraph technique invites spectators to immerse themselves in installations that allow them to experience pivotal discoveries in the realms of optics and photography firsthand.
A Journey Through Time
The exhibition is structured around an immersive experience that initiates visitors into a journey through time and light. It begins on the top floor, where attendees can step into a camera obscura to witness firsthand the observation that sparked the creation of Tempusgraph. Here, the transformation of light is visually represented, offering a tangible connection between time and imagery. Visitors can experience how tilting the film surface aligns the direction of light with the time axis, making temporal changes visible within the image.
The Evolution of Light and Vision
A key highlight of this exhibition is the exploration of the pivotal moment in history when lenses were first introduced to the camera obscura. This technological shift transformed visual perception and marked the dawn of a new era in photographic practices. Visitors will have the chance to engage with this transition, experiencing the sharp images that emerged at that time and reflecting on the profound connection between light, knowledge, and visual art.
Philosophical Reflections: Aristotle and Mozi
The exhibition also pays homage to the foundational contributions of ancient philosophers in the field of optical observation. It reenacts pivotal moments from the lives of Aristotle, who marvelously observed the phenomenon of light during a solar eclipse, and Mozi, who deciphered the behavior of light traveling through openings. These moments highlight the accidental yet monumental discoveries that laid the groundwork for future advancements in optics.
The space dedicated to these early observations serves as a reminder of humanity’s timeless quest to understand the interplay of light and vision, establishing a bridge between our intellectual heritage and contemporary practices.
Additional Events
As part of the exhibition, visitors can also explore related displays at Galerie GEEK/ART in Shibuya, Tokyo, where Ryosuke Toyama’s second exhibition, "Tempusgraph: Colors of Time", will simultaneously showcase works that delve into the twenty-four seasonal divisions of a year. Experiencing both venues will deepen visitors' understanding of Toyama's innovative approach to photography.
Additionally, a hands-on darkroom activity, scheduled for August 30, 2025, will provide attendees with the opportunity to learn about the Tempusgraph technique and participate in the production process, including developing images. A workshop on September 9, 2025, will offer a unique exploration of celestial images using lenses, enriching the dialogue between photography and the mysteries of the universe.
Conclusion
In conjunction with its rich history as a photography studio since 1912, the Tojo Kaikan Photo Institute continues to be a focal point for artistic endeavor and education in photography. As new digital technologies proliferate, exhibitions like "Tempusgraph" encourage visitors to appreciate and explore the foundational elements of light and time that have always been at photography's core. We invite everyone to join us on this enlightening journey through the intersections of art, science, and history at the Tojo Kaikan Photo Institute.