Mono No Aware

 

      I have inherited a deep appreciation for cherry blossoms (sakura) from my Japanese father, which inspired this series capturing their beauty and fragility. My aim is to reflect the aesthetic concept of mono no aware (物の哀れ): the awareness that beauty is ephemeral makes it more meaningful. These photographs taken in Aubonne River Valley in Switzerland, during days of changing weather, capture the interplay of sun, rain and wind that both enhance the sakura's beauty and hasten their transient existence, thus rendering them even more precious. The subtle color rendition on these film-based photographs brings a sense of delicate beauty in the spaces where they are displayed, serving as a reminder of the beauty of life’s fleeting moments.

 

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MONA01 Cherry blossoms in full bloom on twisting branches against a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds, evoking a sense of springtime serenity.
MONA02 Branches of a cherry tree adorned with clusters of pink blossoms stretch across a clear blue sky, evoking a serene and peaceful atmosphere
MONA03 Branch of pink cherry blossoms against a clear blue sky. The flowers are delicate and abundant, creating a serene and uplifting springtime scene.
MONA04 Branches with delicate pink cherry blossoms against a soft, cloudy sky convey a serene and tranquil springtime atmosphere
MONA05 Close-up of cherry blossom branches with dense clusters of pale pink flowers, set against a blurred natural background. The scene conveys serenity.