Black Forest .I
1 July - 7 July 2024
Conceived from nearly a decade-long relationship between photographer Kazusa Sato and Jonas Schwär, this photographic inquiry takes place in the Black Forest, Germany, where the SCHWÄR home/workshop — a bespoke buffalo horn eyewear maker— resides.
Upon her encounter with the buffalo horn, Sato’s innate curiosity and discerning eye capture the raw essence of the cutting edge, highlighting the fine line between past and future. This series reflects the passage of time, depicting the resilience and fortitude inherent in this natural, living material as it takes on a second life.
Based in Tokyo, Japan, Kazusa Sato captures the essence of people, nature, places, and objects through her documentary lens. "It's always about encounter and improvisation; everything has beauty and unique personalities. The act of discovery is always a delight," she says.
“This exhibition reflects the way that Kazusa interacts with the material in the environment of the Black Forest,” says Jonas Schwär. “My father has been hand-crafting buffalo horn eyewear for the past 30 years. And although I have been surrounded by this material my entire life, Sato’s images were full of surprises and made me see it in a new light”.
Paul Wegimont, founder of noa gallery arles, says: “In collaboration with Kazusa Sato and
SCHWÄR, noa gallery was grateful to take part in telling a story that needs to be told - finding this alignment is elemental to our mission of perpetual action and free movement”.
Black Forest .I marks Sato’s European debut at noa gallery arles (29 Rue Des Porcelet, Arles,
France 13200) during Les Rencontres d’Arles. The exhibition was on view from July 1 — 7, 2024.