OPEN CALL ‘FAUNA’
CHING-LENG TRAN
‘Japanimals’
The Japanese city is inhabited by animals, some real and well alive (cats and dogs, carps, crows, crayfishes, herons…) but also representations of animals (logos, mascots, signs, wall paintings, stickers, posters, origamis, sculptures, statues, plush toys, cartoons, keyrings…). Only in Japan is there such an overwhelming animal presence. However, that country is not a paradise for animals, because their meaning is mainly symbolic. It is above all a bestiary which has been domesticated, tamed, immortalized, and one which fits Japan’s modernity.
My intention was to deal with that theme in a playful and cheerful manner, by taking part to a treasure hunt which goal was to uncover that real and imaginary fauna. Like children trying to catch butterflies, I rediscovered that simple and childish pleasure when I was photographing obvious or hidden signs of that animal presence. That Ariadne’s thread, that I invented, allowed me to (re)discover Japan from a different perspective, that way revealing a particular sensibility which the fondness for animals is a prominent feature of. Why do Japanese give such importance to animals ? I have no answer to that question, but I really like to think that their presence makes the japanese cities and society less hostile and inhumane.
‘FAUNA’ is a new call open to any suggestions on photographic series related to animals. We will be posting the best submissions on Urbanautica and related channels. Deadline is February 18th. One project selected from among those submitted will be published and printed on the 4th issue 4 of “Stand Quarterly” magazine together with the works of Alec Soth, Céline Clanet, Vincent Fournier and Trine Søndergaard. Stand is an advertisement-free photographic journal showcasing the work and thoughts of various contemporary photographers from all areas of the world. Submissions of the series are welcome at info@urbanautica.com or directly on our facebook page. Steve Bisson curator and art director of Urbanautica will also be selecting works for future exhibitions. The selection is made on series (full project). Yet we accept single images to share with our readers here on facebook… Thank you all and best wishes!!!
© Chung-Leng Tran