A few tenths of a second one spends rolling is a moment beyond our control. This is the moment when each individuality emerges, whether it’s a character, a gift, or a result of hard work (although one might not consider denguri-gaeri as hard work).
This moment captures the very unique 間 (ma)—which generally means ‘personal space’ or ‘timing’—of that individual. This 間 (ma) expressed in “Tumble” corresponds to the 間 (ma)—also meaning ‘terms’ or ‘relationship’—that one forms through interaction with society. Osamu Yokonami (b. 1967, Japanese) sees it as a fundamental and intriguing nature of our existence. Photographs made between 2005 and 2023 in Japan and Taiwan.
About Osamu Yokonami
Through rhythmic repetition and seriality, Osamu Yokonami explores identity and cultural homogeneity. His twin series, 1000 Children 2010-2013 and Assembly on-going since 2010 explore conceptions of selfhood and the range of human emotions, suggesting a reflexive and essential congruence between individual expression and communal belonging. A related series, Assembly Snow 2015, is an extension of the original where the forces of nature and culture blur into abstraction. More recently, Osamu has undertaken a new project, After 1000 Children 2017-2018, locating girls from the initial series for side-by-side comparisons of them alongside their younger selves. [Official Website]
