Well Wishes
Crafted in a form inspired by the colours of the movie poster captured by Jiro Kochi, an interpretation of extraterrestrial nostalgia was displayed alongside the compelling images of the 1970s and 1980s in Tokyo to congratulate Haruko for the opportunity to share her father’s legacy and his keen observation of the world around him.
Titled as Through the Salaryman’s Eye, the gallery exhibition showcases Jiro Kochi’s works in street photography and takes you back in time to life in Tokyo when Jiro Kochi captured interesting moments with his Leica film camera. Some of these moments included the first Star Wars movie that was screened in Tokyo in 1977 and the first McDonald's store in Japan in 1971.
Haruko patiently went through every photo exhibit and explained to us the context behind each image, where she also pointed out the details that an unknowing passerby like myself would not even have noticed. We felt very inspired by her dedication to share her father’s works and her fervour in personally connecting with visitors who have come to view the gallery. She also shared with us how she documented her father’s collection of Leica cameras and the various memorabilia that belonged to her father, Jiro Kochi. There were also many more images that were yet to be shared with the world. Those that were displayed in the gallery had been carefully selected together with then-curator Suzanna.
Carrying on that sense of awe, I crafted a frame using cutouts of the gallery’s brochure, as well as the preserved and dried florals from the installation. These cutouts contained elements from Jiro Kochi’s photos and his fascination with airplane models. This was gifted to Haruko as a memento that she could bring along with her back to Japan, where she will continue to share the wonderful works of her father, a humble family man, Jiro Kochi.
BY JIRO KOCHI
Leica Galerie Singapore
22 Oct - 9 Dec 2020
