Fragments of Light No. 3: In Praise of Shadows

There's a book by the Japanese author Jun'ichiro Tanizaki titled "In Praise of Shadows." And as the title suggests, it's about the "sister of light," as I like to call darkness, shadow. It's about the aesthetics of shadow and its beauty in Japanese architecture. It explores its deliberate use and consideration in the construction of spaces, its effect on the atmosphere of specific areas within rooms, and how objects, materials, and colors are chosen based on how they will appear in shadow or in subdued, flickering light. The author praises the simple yet sophisticated aesthetic that arises from the use and patina of these objects. Tanizaki contrasts the Japanese appreciation of darkness and shadow with the Western preference for bright, clear light and glossy surfaces. He argues that Western lighting and architecture often destroy the subtle beauty hidden in shadow.

A poetic homage to traditional Japanese aesthetics and a celebration of the beauty that lies in the interplay of light and shadow.

Much of my photography is based on this philosophy.

Beauty often lies hidden in darkness and shadow. I see the aesthetics of shadow as a kind of beauty that is subtle and mysterious, in contrast to the often almost garish and obvious beauty of photography, which aims to show as much as possible, and as clearly and sharply as possible, what it depicts.

The shadow creates an atmosphere of calm and form, which, in harmony with the light, creates an atmosphere that allows for a deeper, contemplative perception of the subject.

The emphasis on shadows in my photography reflects a philosophy that accepts and appreciates the incomplete and blurry, rather than striving for absolute clarity and perfection.

Allowing these shadows, the darkness in certain areas of the image, the interplay of light and dark dividing lines or gently merging areas slows down the scene.

Perhaps it's the rain this Sunday morning that's making me philosophize. But I'm taking the opportunity to write down things I might not be able to describe on another day.