In a somewhat paradoxical manner, my involvement in Renaissance-era background and symbolism during my student days could be seen as a journey to discover the essence of my own “photographic works.” It wasn’t a matter of having a specific trigger or connection to Western culture or European art since I was born and raised in Japan. Instead, it was more like a childhood sense of aesthetics that drew me towards Renaissance paintings.
To put it somewhat boldly, it felt like memories from a past life. My father was stationed in Europe and the United States since when I was born, so even while in Japan, I had easy access to Western culture. There were art catalogs from renowned museums around the world at home, and I distinctly remember leisurely flipping through them. Undoubtedly, such experiences had some influence on me. As I delved deeper into art history, I encountered the field of “Iconology,” and it led me to perceive a paradox between my artistic style at the time and my background. Iconology seeks to decode the impressions and meanings inherent in artworks and images, and it is a crucial factor not only in art but also in the realm of “photography.” Photographers believe that they can convey meaning and emotions through composition and the arrangement of elements. Moreover, Renaissance paintings and sculptures often depict religious themes and narratives and studying them could provide insights into the messages and stories within those works.
NAOKI KIMURA
My dear followers.
As you may know Literary Revelations is thrilled to release in July, an excellent art album by Japanese fine-art photographer Naoki Kimura.
The above quote is an excerpt from an interview in which the artist talks about his first art album on Renaissance. I hope you enjoy it and learn more about the artist.
Below is a photograph by Naoki Kimura and a poem written by me.
Photo Naoki Kimura
Poem by Gabriela Marie Milton
Between above and below,
The gates opened— silently, unannounced, as the breath of a sacred day.
I believe it was afternoon:
a hush of light,
The world’s pulse slowed
I saw them by the gates, their shadows
gliding toward each other
like the hands of a clock
reaching for reunion.
By morning, they were gone
But the shadows lingered—
long, deliberate,
etching questions into the stone,
each one a silent syllable
in a language of thresholds.
I continue to take the stairs,
each step a small devotion,
and to pray—
not for answers,
But for the grace of passing
between what is above
And what is below,
When the gates open
without a word,
and fall
is the only reply.
Learn more about Naoki Kimura from an interview on his YouTube channel.
The translation from Japanese into English is done with AI.
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