The underwater world appears somewhat dull because certain wavelengths of light (red) do not reach it. However, when observing marine life up close, the colors are incredibly vibrant.
The coral reefs, in particular, are breathtaking, resembling a field of blooming flowers. The colors change depending on the tide, the angle of the sun, the depth of the water, and the size of the organisms. I am captivated by their richness and vibrancy, which inspires me to continue capturing them through photography.
This work features some of the most striking scenes I have photographed during my five years since moving to Okinawa. Please enjoy "Fascinated by the Sea," captured from land, sky, and underwater.
Kenichi Kobayashi, August 1, 2024
In early August 2024, coral bleaching* began to spread across a wide area of the island. This is believed to be caused by prolonged periods of high water temperatures (around 30°C).
Unfortunately, as of mid-September, the water temperature has not decreased, and most of the shallow water corals have either bleached or are already covered with algae. The corals depicted in the exhibition can no longer be seen. I hope you will keep this in mind as you view the work.
I pray that in a few years, the corals will grow back in the same location, and I will once again be able to capture their beauty with my camera.
September 15, 2024, Kenichi Kobayashi
*Corals live in symbiosis with plankton called "zooxanthellae," from which they obtain nutrients. During the bleaching process, the zooxanthellae (color) gradually disappear, causing the coral, once brown or blue, to turn pastel pink or pastel blue. Ultimately, the coral becomes completely white, leaving only the skeletal structure. In this state, the coral cannot obtain nutrients and dies within about two weeks. Afterward, it is covered by algae, leaving it unrecognizable as coral.Scenes Captured Over Five Years After Moving
Conveying the emotion of witnessing the vibrant expanse of the sky and sea.
Conveying the emotion of flying over the colorful landscape.
Conveying the emotion of seeing the colors of marine life up close.
Conveying the emotion of swimming alongside massive creatures in deep blue waters.
Convey the awe of witnessing a chance encounter in the vast ocean.
Recreating the unending continuity of emotion (enchantment) through the return to each scenery.
Kenichi Kobayashi
Born in 1978 in Honjo City, Saitama Prefecture. While working at an IT-related company, I began photographing water bodies and flowers through fishing and driving.
In 2013, I was captivated by the beauty of corals and sea turtles on Hateruma Island, leading to marine life becoming my main subject. I have continued to visit various locations in Okinawa throughout the seasons and moved to the main island in 2018.
I am currently engaged in photography in the seas of the central and northern parts of the prefecture while continuing to work.
| Title | Fascinated by the Sea |
| Period | Saturday, September 28, - Saturday, October 5, 2024 |
| Open | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Venue |  4-2-2 Waseda no Mori, Honjo City, Saitama Prefecture, bamils 1F-B |
| Access |
[Railway]
|
| Fee | Free |
| Works | 594x841mm, 420x594mm, 297x420mm, 210x297mm, etc. Color and monochrome, approximately 30 pieces (planned) |
| For Sale | Available (Credit Cards Accepted) |
| Organizers | ECHO GALLERY, Kenichi Kobayashi |
| Planning |
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