Sayuri Ichida's exhibition, Playing the Piano Upstairs, is a captivating exploration of a photographer's relationship with her sister after their mother's death. Ichida's unique approach to photography involves hand-printing every image using a 150-year-old etching process, photopolymer photogravure, onto Japanese washi paper. This meticulous technique, more akin to printmaking than modern photography, adds a layer of depth and meaning to her work.
Ichida's photographs, taken in the snow-covered landscapes of her hometown, feature her sister alongside sticks, reeds, and antlers, creating a sense of introspection and connection. The images are characterized by their quiet, almost ethereal quality, with silhouettes and reflections evoking powerful emotions. The artist's choice of technique is not merely a stylistic decision but a deliberate narrative element, challenging the fast-paced, technology-driven nature of contemporary photography.
The photogravure process, dating back to the 1870s, is a slow and laborious method that Ichida has resurrected in the digital age. This decision is particularly intriguing given the rise of smartphone photography and AI-generated images. By embracing this antiquated technique, Ichida highlights the importance of process and the emotional depth that can be achieved through traditional methods.
Ichida's compositions emphasize negative space, using reflections in still water to create a sense of duality without revealing the subject's face. This approach, coupled with her choice of technique, demonstrates the power of simplicity and patience in photography. It invites photographers to reconsider their workflows and question the value of slower, more deliberate processes.
The exhibition Playing the Piano Upstairs offers a profound reflection on grief, sisterhood, and the enduring nature of memory. Ichida's use of photogravure as a visual metaphor for memory itself adds a layer of complexity to her work. The show, running until September 13 at The Photographers' Gallery in London, showcases Ichida's unique perspective and challenges viewers to appreciate the beauty and depth that can be found in traditional, labor-intensive artistic practices.
