“Scape—The Darkroom of Portrait Photography” presents an exhibition where photography, everyday life, and spatial perception are closely intertwined. Artist Kyosuke Sasaki breaks through the boundaries of traditional photography by transforming the living space of his subjects into a camera obscura, turning the room itself into a creative medium. This innovative approach not only invites viewers to reconsider the meaning of “home,” but also returns photography to its purest essence—the interplay of light and shadow and the contemplation of presence.
Each work on display is captured by Sasaki using a mere 2-centimeter pinhole and a 30-second long exposure, resulting in portraits that are ethereal yet deeply authentic. These images gradually emerge from the darkness, as if time has paused, making every gaze into the artwork a sincere reflection on ordinary life.
Sasaki’s artistry lies in his keen perception of the “breath of life”—the subtle glow of appliances and outlets flicker in the darkness, while the air is infused with the inhabitants’ scent and traces of daily living. Here, photography transcends mere visual recording, evolving into an extension of the senses and memory. Viewers are transported into the intimate atmosphere of the subjects’ lived spaces, invited to experience the serenity and warmth shaped by shifting light and shadow.
Another highlight is the interactive installation, where visitors can experience the structure of the darkroom firsthand: through the lens, images from the outside world are projected—inverted—into the darkened space. In summary, “Scape” is not only a showcase of pure photographic technique, but also an immersive journey into how light and shadow bear witness to life and record existence. Sasaki warmly invites you to rediscover your connection to self and the world within a space woven of darkness and illumination, embarking on a profound dialogue about home, time, and the beautiful flow of life.
The opening reception and artist talk will take place in Saturday afternoon of May 23rd. We warmly invite photography and art lovers to join us, experience the exhibition firsthand, and engage in inspiring dialogue with the artist.
About Photographer: Kyosuke SASAKI
Born in Sendai, Japan in 1985, Sasaki graduated from Nihon University’s College of Art, Department of Photography. He began his career at Asukaen Co., specializing in Buddhist image photography and art publishing. From 2009 to 2020, he worked as a photographic technician at the Nara National Museum, producing images for catalogues and academic publications.
Beyond his professional practice, Sasaki has consistently created works that engage with contemporary social issues. Notable projects include Street View, documenting the surroundings of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (Canon New Cosmos of Photography Excellence Award), and Space, capturing underground shelters repurposed as earthquake observatories (finalist in Recruit’s “1_WALL” Photography Division). His work bridges technical mastery with a profound social consciousness.
《SCAPE》by Kyosuke SASAKI
Exhibition Period｜May 22-June 28, 2026
Opening｜Art Talk with Artist: Sat. May 23, 2026 14:30 – 17:00
Photo Talk｜Kyosuke SASAKI v.s. Edward CHIU (Curator)
Gallery Director｜ Edward, I-Chien CHIU (phD)
Organizer: 1839 Contemporary Gallery (specializing in photographic art gallery). What’s 1839? It mean the invention of photography in 1839)
Address: B1, No. 120, Yanji Street, Da’an District, Taipei City
FB: 1839cg IG: 1839cg_taipei