DAY 348

PHOTOGRAPHIC CURIOSITIES

The Kaleidoscopes of Ryo Ohwada

PATTERNS FROM CHAOS

As a child, I remember reading a book with a series of dioramas that recreated the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. There was something warm and comforting in these miniature environments, which, while they represented the hustle and bustle of ancient life, were safely contained within a few inches of space.

A similar feeling is evoked by the simulated structure of Ryo Ohwada’s kaleidoscopic photographs. Many of the images are created from outdoor panoramic photos and cityscapes. While the reality behind these photographs is full to the brim with unpredictable elements—disease, flora and fauna, constantly changing sights and sounds—Ohwada has taken an image and safely wrapped it in an encasement of itself. Order is imposed onto chaos. What was once a crazy quilt of asymmetric natural growth has been clamped down into neat, matching patterns within the confines of this visual kaleidoscope.

Even shots that were taken outdoors no longer appear to belong to the anarchy of the forest. The wild, indomitable features of the wilderness, the savage insects and creeping vines and moss and grass, have all been locked into a soft, warm box.

The fireflies have been swept out of the air and into a glass jar, forever contained, forever contemplated in comfort. —DJS