Japanese photographic tradition of leaving a print for someone to find
April 8, 2021 10:15 PM Subscribe
I remember reading about it in passing a long time ago - a photographer would make a print of his/her work, and would then just leave it in a public space for others to discover and enjoy, or even take for their own. Google has been of no help - does anyone know what this tradition is called/what I'm talking about?
I recall that the artist should try to make the presentation nice - for example, hang the print from a tree with a nice ribbon, and tie a little bell to the bottom so that it rings in the breeze. I also seem to remember it being a Japanese tradition. But I'll admit, my memory is a little hazy on all these points, so I might not be describing it perfectly, though I'm pretty sure I didn't just make the whole thing up. It also may not be limited to photography - this might be a fine art tradition in general.
I recall that the artist should try to make the presentation nice - for example, hang the print from a tree with a nice ribbon, and tie a little bell to the bottom so that it rings in the breeze. I also seem to remember it being a Japanese tradition. But I'll admit, my memory is a little hazy on all these points, so I might not be describing it perfectly, though I'm pretty sure I didn't just make the whole thing up. It also may not be limited to photography - this might be a fine art tradition in general.
I've never heard about this with photographs, but with books there is a similar practice called bookcrossing. Maybe that will trigger something?
posted by AnneShirley at 6:52 PM on April 9, 2021
posted by AnneShirley at 6:52 PM on April 9, 2021
I lived in Japan for maybe 6 years overall, and have never seen anything like that, or heard of anyone mentioning it. Granted, I didn't watch a lot of Japanese TV, but a friend of mine is the daughter of a photographer, so I feel like I would have heard about it if it was really something many people did.
posted by LoonyLovegood at 10:43 AM on April 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 10:43 AM on April 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
Well, I don't know how it's called, but I did find such prints left by a photographer. It wasn't in Japan (but might have been a japanese photographer?). There was 3-4 prints (left) with a message from the photographer telling us to take one. Happened about 11-12 years ago.
Not much help, but at least you know you didn't dream of it!
posted by domi_p at 12:52 PM on April 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
Not much help, but at least you know you didn't dream of it!
posted by domi_p at 12:52 PM on April 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
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posted by RustyBrooks at 3:56 PM on April 9, 2021