Purple Magazine
— F/W 2015 issue 24

Rinko Kawauchi

Self-portrait by Rinko Kawauchi

on (women) photographers

interview by MAURIZIO CATTELAN and MARTA PAPINI

All images copyright Rinko Kawauchi

 

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Do you mind being called a photographer?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — I’m fine with it.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Do you remember your first picture?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — I don’t specifically remember, no, but I do remember the first vivid memory of me taking pictures being during a high
school field trip.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — How did photography start for you?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — When I was in college, my major was graphic design, but once a week I also took a photography class, so I was able to study about it there.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Is there anything that helps the creative process?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — It helps a lot to take time to think while making prints in the darkroom, as well as reading books, etc.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Is inspiration for your images a matter of distraction or of being focused?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — I think it depends on how you physically feel.

Untitled, from the series Ametsuchi, 2012

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — How long does it take to get the picture you have in mind?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — It’s not so much about a single picture, but to create a complete work, it usually takes up to about four years.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Do you title your photos? How do you decide?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — I don’t title any of my individual photographs whatsoever, but rather I attach a title to the overall work. I select and give the works titles that are latent with multiple meanings.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Is narration part of your work?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — I create my own version of a sort of story that’s abstract and poetic.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — What is your relationship with technology?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — I believe it’s simply being able to capably work hand-in-hand with the things of our modern age.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Is photography without a camera possible nowadays?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — You can make a work of photography without having to take a picture yourself. I haven’t attempted it, however.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Is it true that today everyone can become a photographer?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — I guess that depends on what your definition of a photographer is. I myself am not really sure.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Is your work about creativity or about being a good observer?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — It’s about both.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Is fake the newest version of reality?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — I’m sorry, I don’t think I understand the question.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Is there any difference between a picture and a painting?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — They’re simply different because they are two different things.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Who lies more, a photographer or a painter?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — I don’t know who lies more, really. That’s a hard question.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Do you feel comfortable in front of a camera?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — It depends on who is taking the picture, but for the most part I don’t feel comfortable with it.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Would you agree to shoot fashion?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — I do from time to time.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Have you ever regretted something that you shot?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — I have.

Untitled, from the series Ametsuchi, 2012

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Isn’t every picture that you take part of a disguised self-portrait?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — No, I don’t believe so.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Where does light come from?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — The sun.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN — What will your last picture be?
RINKO KAWAUCHI — I’m not sure.

[Table of contents]

F/W 2015 issue 24

Table of contents

purple EDITO

purple NEWS

purple BEST of the SEASON

purple INTERVIEW

purple FASHION WOMEN

purple FASHION MEN

purple DOCUMENT

purple BEAUTY

purple LOVE

purple TRAVEL

purple PHILOSOPHY

purple SEX

purple NIGHT

purple STORY

purple VISUAL ESSAY

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