NextThreeDays: Event Display

Art Exhibition: Daredemo Photographer - Japanese Earthquake Photography Exhibition
Venue: Cowgill Hall (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg
Directions: Google Map Link
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2013
Time: 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Event Types: Arts & Theatre
Cost: Free
Description:
The photography exhibit "Daredemo Photographer", an exhibit of photos showing the effects, the community, and the recovery in a small Japanese town after the 2011 Earthquake, will be on display in the lobby of Cowgill Hall at Virginia Tech May 11-13, 2013.

The exhibit in Cowgill Hall is free and open to the public Saturday, May 11, 1 to 5 p.m.; Sunday May 12, 2 to 11 p.m.; and, Monday May 13, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

On March 11, 2011, a massive 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck the northeastern coast of Japan followed by huge tsunami waves, resulting in widespread damage. Two years later, many people in Japan are still recovering from the effects of these natural disasters.

What makes these photos different than countless others is that they were taken by the citizens of Iwaizumi Town — many of whom lost their homes and are still living in temporary housing — recounting the situation from their own perspectives.

Professional photographer Shoukou Hashimoto taught the Iwaizumi residents about photography, and they fully embraced the project. Citizen photographers ranging in age from 6 to 73 years old have participated over the past two years, creating photo narratives of their experiences.

The resulting exhibit is called “Daredemo Photographer,” meaning everyone can be a photographer, and the photos not only show the effects of disaster, but also show the passion the residents have for the town and their community.

The exhibition at Virginia Tech will be the first time the photographs are displayed in the United States. The UIFA Japon previously exhibited the photos at a rail station in Omoto, Japan.

The exhibit is being brought to Virginia Tech thanks to a relationship between the UIFA Japon and the Virginia Tech-based International Archive of Women in Architecture Center.

For more information, visit: http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2013/05/050913-caus-japanesephotos.html