OUISTITI

Ouistiti
Originally uploaded by missai.

From now until the 28th of December at popular gaijin hangout The Pink Cow in Shibuya, there is an exhibit by photographer Toshi.Ota and illustrator Keeda Oikawa called "Mixed 2006"-Ouistiti-, oustiti apparently a phrase often used by the French when taking pictures. This is a mixed medium (photography + different forms of illustration and sometimes collage) that uses mixed people as subjects. From toddlers to grown-ups, from Japan to the Congo, the photographer and illustrator pair found mixed people from around the world, took photos of them and even videotaped short interviews with each. At the exhibit during this time, you can see all the different art works as well as the video installation.

Ninapod and I were lucky/ happy participants of the project. We went to the show yesterday and we couldn't believe what we saw... In addition to a great portrait they had taken/ drawn, they had mixed the Tokyo city view from our house with the Seattle city horizon!! So it was like a brand new city that we were living in. The illustrator had never even been to Seattle but she researched photos for this purpose, and really nailed the buildings and the atmosphere of the Seattle skyline. It was amazing. I'm going to be selfish and just talk about that one here but, take my word for it, every piece had a story waiting to be read. On the 28th there is even a special closing ceremony; maybe we'll see you there★