Yang Seung-Woo "Shinjuku Lost Child"

Dates: January 15 (Fri) — February 10 (Wed), 2016

Somewhere the crow flies carrying a coin in its beak could even be an essential place of comfort to someone.

Shinjuku Lost Child are photographs taken by Tokyo-based Korean photographer Seung-woo Yang during the years 1998 to 2006, depicting the vivid character and vibrant energy of the people and the district of Kabukicho in Shinjuku. Bringing awareness of both the self and a presence beyond Yang's viewfinder, and of time just before and after, these photographs will excite the imagination of the viewer. The Governor of Tokyo announced the ‘Clean up Kabukicho Campaign’ in 2004, aiming to transform the district into a “safe” town for all to enjoy. What will definitely remain unchanged of this place?

Walking from the East exit of Shinjuku station towards Kabukicho, my heart begins to pound. Kabukicho reveals human desire. I adore it.
I slept on cardboard on the street, under neon, and it felt good. I was out of the machine and I saw myself differently. The cardboard bed is perfect for when I get into trouble.

ーSeung-woo Yang

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Artist Profile

YANG Seung-Woo

Born in Korea, Seung-Woo Yang first came to Japan in 1996. After graduating from Nippon Photography Institute and the photography department of Tokyo Polytechnic University, he completed his graduate research in Media Art at Tokyo Polytechnic University and continued his career in Japan. In 2016, his publication “Shinjuku Lost Child” with Zen Foto Gallery, a monochrome street photography series which focused on the people at Kabukicho, Shinjuku received the 36th Domon Ken Award. He also released “End of the Line - Kotobukicho” with Zen Foto Gallery in 2017 and had his solo exhibition in inbetween gallery, Paris, expanding his activities internationally. His other publications so far include “You’re there and I’m here” (Shinpusha, 2006), “You’re there and I’m here 2” (Zen Foto Gallery, 2011), “The Best Days” (Zen Foto Gallery, 2012), “The Best Days” new edition (Zen Foto Gallery, 2019), "The Last Cabaret" (Zen Foto Gallery, 2020), "Yang-Taro Baka-Taro" (Zen Foto Gallery, 2021), "TEKIYA" (Zen Foto Gallery, 2022) and "Baggage" (Zen Foto Gallery, 2023).

Publications & Prints