#Japan #Tokyo #Kentauros Yasunaga #Waterside Portrait #Light Box Satellite

Waterside Portrait - Kentauros Yasunaga's Photography Exhibition

From August 30, 2025, Tokyo's Aoyama district will host the solo exhibition 'Waterside Portrait' by photographer Kentauros Yasunaga at the Light Box Satellite. This exhibition showcases a curated selection of photographs that depict transient moments of water found in nature, specifically rivers and lakes, as part of Yasunaga's lifelong passion for fly fishing, rooted in his home town of Tokigawa, Hokkaido.

Yasunaga’s work explores an intriguing dichotomy between art forms. He reflects on a definition first outlined by Susan Sontag in her seminal book on photography: while paintings are unique, handcrafted art pieces, photography is seen as the most realistic form of mimetic art, inherently accessible. Yasunaga queries this distinction, suggesting that his style might serve as a bridge between these two realms. His approach is best understood through the concept of 'Pragma,' a term implying action and movement, which he believes defines his artistic practice.

Each photograph in the exhibition signifies not merely a visual representation but also notes the water temperature and specific geographical coordinates of where the images were captured. Interestingly, Yasunaga stresses that there is no particular intention behind the collection; these numerical details do not harbor special meanings. Instead, they serve as a record of Yasunaga’s personal interactions with the water, conveying the feelings of coldness or warmth he experienced. His journey emphasizes the importance of movement and sensation, connecting to a broader commentary on humanity’s intrinsic desire for constancy amidst change.

With numbers and coordinates meticulously paired with visuals, the “Waterside Portrait” series becomes a reflection of Yasunaga's varying emotional landscapes and physical sensations experienced during his explorations. The dynamics of water such as depth, flow, and environmental factors are captured with acute realism and multifaceted representations.

As Yasunaga beautifully describes, water is ever-moving, confronting, bouncing, enveloping, and returning to its flow. It seamlessly changes colors and shadows, becoming a vessel for information. He notes that an individual’s body water content alters with age, affecting perceptions and emotions. In this context, the expressions of the waterside become a projection of one’s inner self, perhaps reflecting the viewer’s own thoughts and feelings.

Artist Statement

“To hear the whispers of water is to listen to your own heart.”

Yasunaga invites viewers to visit and absorb the collective experience presented in his works, highlighting the importance of being present in the moment. This exhibition focuses on the water’s portraiture gathered primarily from Hokkaido, inviting patrons to engage deeply with the emotional resonance of the photographs.

Artist Profile

Kentauros Yasunaga was born in the Philippines and began his career at Amana Corporation before establishing himself as a freelance photographer in 2015, later founding kKkK inc. in 2020. With numerous accolades, including awards for transportation advertising and visual communications, Yasunaga has made significant contributions to diverse art forms, having held multiple exhibitions across various locations.

For those who wish to attend the exhibition, details are as follows:

• - Venue: LIGHT BOX SATELLITE, Minato Ward, Aoyama, Tokyo.
• - Dates: August 30, 2025 - September 7, 2025.
• - Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Open daily, free admission).

Collaborators for the exhibition include SEMPRE DESIGN Co., Ltd., and other talented individuals contributing to the overall artistic dialogue.

To learn more about Kentauros Yasunaga’s work, visit his official website or check out his Instagram.