“What's Art?” by Yoshio Eda

My uncle was an oil painter and under his influence, I enjoyed reading western art books instead of children's picture books. Although I went to drawing class for a few years, I found out that I had no talent. But I still liked art books. Among many kinds of artists in the art books in the shelf, there was only one who I was strongly attracted. He is an Italian painter who was called another Michelangelo. His art works were powerful. Furthermore, his way of life was shocking.

The artist' s name is Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio(1571-1610). He is famous for his art works 'Judith Beheading Holofernes' and 'Narcissus' . He was notorious for his violent behavior. One year before he died at age 38, he killed a man. As his art works were highly esteemed and received many orders of paintings, he had never trouble with money. In spite of his success in art, he was detained for raging at home. Sometimes he scuffled with people.

Caravaggio was good at drawing human beings realistically. We see not only the physical beauty but also even the feelings in his paintings. Besides he expressed the light and the shadow impressively. He made a great influence to form the baroque paintings. Using light-dark tone strongly, his paintings were as if one scene of a drama and people called his paintings 'Tenebrism'. As I grew up and saw his artworks, I realized that the way of expression that I prefer is similar to Caravaggio's expression.

discussed the question, 'what is art' with a number of people. There were many opinions; art is what we sympathize with, art gives us good feelings, art is something worthwhile on a continuing basis, and art is form of self-expression and so on. I think all of them are right. I think deeply of my own opinion for art. Art is challenge. What can I do by challenging something new? What I want to do with my artwork is that to move people. Through my concept of my photograph, I want people in future generations to get inspired.

I want to put my heart and soul into my artworks that should also be related my progenitor of my family. This is a picture of Shimadu Nariakira who was a lord of Satsuma domain. It was said to be a very first picture in Japan and I can proudly say that my ancestor, who was a taster of the lord, took it in 1857.

Now my father runs a photo business and I take pictures like him but it is sad to say that we haven't taken any special photographs for our descendent. I have been thinking what I can do with my photographs. I aspire for taking a special photo that will last long.

I wonder whether photographs can be called art. If people say photographs are just industry, it must have been over already. Because it is said the industry life lasts for 120 years. Photographic art market has already been established in Europe. From those reasons photography can be called art and can leave to posterity.

Then what is an artist? It isn't the same as a creator. An artist has to take full responsibility of his/her own work. And like I said before, art is the thing that moves people's hearts with its concept. Unfortunately I'm uncertain about my concept of my photograph but I have high motive to be an artist.