March 28, 2015

Tange by Tange

Tange by Tange 1949-1959 : Kenzo Tange as Seen Through the Eyes of Kenzo Tange

This exhibition in Gallery MA is ending tomorrow. It is a free admission exhibits negative film that was taken by Kenzo Tange in his early years. Beginning with his debut project, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum 1953, to Kagawa Prefectural Government Office 1958, and some others of his trip to several places such as Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto. In this exhibition, more than 70 original contact sheets are out in public for the first time. We can see Tange’s red trimming lines on some of the film, allowing us to see his traces. To see what he saw through his lens, we can see what had he been interested in architecture at that time, or in that project.

What I like most about the exhibition is that they made a timeline up on the wall, streaming Tange’s works and what else are happening in the world. Since he was one of the most significant architects of the 20th century who was in the same era as many other modern pioneers. Even he have passed away for 10 years now, his works still continue to influence a lot of people in our generation.

Gallery MA : Nogizaka Station Exit 3






: iPhone5s with some adjustment

March 25, 2015

Shirakawa-go

This UNESCO world heritage site lies in the valley of Shogawa river, surrounded by mountains in between Gifu and Toyama prefectures. It is famous for its unique farmhouses called “Gassho-zukuri” (合掌造り). Gassho(合掌) means pressing one’s hands together in prayer, and Zukuri(造り) means structure. So altogether the name represents a traditional style of these farmhouses, steep thatched roof that was designed and developed over generations to withstand great amount of snowfall during winter.

The place is said to be in a top 100 lists of winter destination with its stunning scenic of Gassho in the winter wonderland. I went there during New Year’s holidays for a day trip, well, not actually, I stopped 2 nights at Takayama, day before and after. Takayama is famous for its Hida beef, A-5 best beef, and also its old town market. I think I killed many cows that day since I ate lots of Hida beef, yakiniku, beef ramen, and beef sushi…

The best and cheapest way to get there is by bus. There’s no direct bus from any main cities to the valley. I took a bus from Shinjuku at 5pm. and arrived at Takayama by 10.30pm. Stayed a night in Takayama, and woke up early enough to catch a bus to Shirakawa-go next morning. Some buses ‘do’ need prior reservation, those with good timing schedule all need reservation that can be booked more than a month earlier… So be careful.

Honestly, I don’t really understand how folks back then survived winter in those Gassho. I mean, the way they developed the structure to withstand the snowfall is beautiful, but inside the house, it was f*cking cold. I paid for the reserved-Gassho visit. The temperature inside was colder than outside even they have a fireplace in the middle, which produced lots of smoke that almost suffocate me. Anyway, it was worth a visit.

There is a shuttle bus that can take you up to the viewpoint, where everyone can take same photo from above. The view is nice, of course, but the fun part was that me and my friends walked up there and explored many incredible views along the way. It took us an hour, from the bus station, to reach the viewpoint because we were having fun, taking snapshots, playing in the snow, all the way up.







: OLYMPUS35DC x KODAK PORTRA 400 :