人 – Human

• Photographer
  Kaoru Asano
• Technical Info
  Ss 2 Sec, Iso 400, F 16, 46mm Rear Curtain Sync
• Photo Date
  September 2024

My daughter, a ballerina and my muse, forms the shape of the Japanese kanji “人” (hito), meaning “human.” In 2024, Japan was shaken by scandals echoing the #MeToo movement, revealing deep-seated issues of gender inequality and a lack of human rights awareness. As a Japanese woman and artist, I could not remain silent. Through this image, I appeal for the dignity and rights of all women to be respected —“I am human, just like you.”

I photograph my daughter—my muse and a professional ballerina—whose beauty and graceful movements inspire me deeply. Through her, I explore invisible worlds that lie beyond the reach of the human eye. I'm passionate about long-exposure photography, especially front- and rear-curtain sync, which allow me to paint with time and motion. My dream is to become a leading voice in this expressive and limitless art form.