Okame

Okame is a traditional mask symbolizing a happy-go-lucky Japanese bride, inspired artist Hideoki to create a unique series when he visited Japan in 1973 with his American wife, Mary, and their child, Mitsu. The playful use of the mask gave rise to a series of photographs with Mary that subtly challenged the norms of Japanese society.  

Because the Okame mask plays a big role in the project this is translated to the cover that has more stories behind it. From that the idea arose to make two books in one book, also deriving from the two different types of photo series Hideoki made. This first part of the book can be viewed as a fanciful family photo album with a silent message. The second part of the book shows Hideoki’s infinite appreciation for mother nature in a way that reflects Hideoki’s urge to go against the grain: his exquisite photographs of nature are cut in half and combined into new, surprising and beautiful collaged images.


Year 2023
Client Ibasho gallery
Location Antwerp
Publisher Ibasho & the(M)éditions
Printer robstolk

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