The concept of “vernacular,” meaning “being the language of, or characteristic of, a specific place,” has attracted attention in the field of photography in recent years particularly due to the work of photographic historians such as Geoffrey Batchen. Vernacular images created by anonymous artisans have traditionally been positioned on the periphery of art history, but as such provide opportunities to reexamine that history as well as the place- and time-related memories of the artists as well as the people who appear in their works. This symposium brings together experts from various fields to discuss vernacular photography and moving images, with a focus on the originality of such images.

Panelists

Hashimoto Kazumichi (Professor, Waseda University) 

KURAISHI Shino (Professor, Meiji University) 

Moderators

Kawade Yoshie (Member of the Scientific and Cultural Committee, Maison Franco-Japonaise)

Tasaka Hiroko (Curator, Tokyo Photographic Art Museum/Yebisu International Festival for Art & Alternative Visions)