How coincidental - I just watched a video about Toshio Shibata last night! Decided I'm not a fan of his, but you've captured an intriguing point of view here! :)
@juliedduncan I am no declared fan of the artist either. But I found his approach compelling and appealing. I mostly liked the idea of landscape without sky. It is completely opposite to what all the photography (and painting classes) teach.
And I also found that the human element is crucial. Sometimes, it is useful to have a human being or some reference point to make out the scale of a scenery. But other times, like in his photographs, the lack of human presence per se looks so apocalyptic. Like depicted from a dystopian novel or film.
Another aspect that struck me while out with the camera is how the Japanese constructions are so pristine looking. While everything in my vicinity is spray-painted and invaded by the human presence. Even on this bridge, you can figure out the scale just by seeing that lame graffiti on the poles on the other side.
And I also found that the human element is crucial. Sometimes, it is useful to have a human being or some reference point to make out the scale of a scenery. But other times, like in his photographs, the lack of human presence per se looks so apocalyptic. Like depicted from a dystopian novel or film.
Another aspect that struck me while out with the camera is how the Japanese constructions are so pristine looking. While everything in my vicinity is spray-painted and invaded by the human presence. Even on this bridge, you can figure out the scale just by seeing that lame graffiti on the poles on the other side.