THINKING THROUGH FLOWERS - 11 INDIVIDUALS/ Kana Kawanishi Photography, Tokyo/ April 18 - May 23, 2026
Artist Statement
Thinking through Flowers / 11 Individuals
This photographic series explores the nature of life and death, captured as an observational record of the lifespan of flowers.
The cycle of life begins with a single seed falling to the earth. The sunlight is like a mother’s womb, brimming with affection. Enveloped in that warmth and security, after a period of gestation, we begin our long journey as distinct individuals.
Whether we manifest our own unique colors, take a particular shape, or insist on simply being ourselves—though the time given to each is different, what matters most is offering gratitude for that life and the very fact of being alive.
Though there are countless similar species, no two existences are ever the same. To live as oneself, to dream, to seek the meaning of existence—and ultimately, to face death with a sense of "ecstasy" for having lived life to the fullest.
This story, however, is about what lies beyond.
A period is inevitably placed on "living," for both humans and flowers alike. Confronting death, one looks back on their path and searches for the meaning of their life. There may be regrets or lingering attachments. Yet, perhaps the figure that remains at the very end—nothing but skin and bone—is the true, unadorned self-portrait.
This is a universal process followed by all life on Earth. In the lifespan of a flower, I feel a story identical to our own.
Budding, decaying, and enriching the earth—a providence of nature repeated billions of times. In a modern world that often acts selfishly against this flow, I invite you to feel your own existence, once more, with your own skin.
At the very end, stripped of all desire, lies the trace of life. Through a single flower, the evidence that individuals truly existed…… .
Kenji Toma