Mysterious Kyoto Windows

Renewing her creative process with the aid of photography is integral to Eloise Rapp’s practice. A designer, researcher and educator by trade, the multitalented Rapp has been working in the fashion industry for 10 years now. During a trip to Japan, she was fascinated by the unique atmosphere of Kyoto, wishing to capture its spirit in artistic form. She developed a particular fondness for ‘Showa-kata itagarasu’, a type of frosted glass found on the corner of every street.

Developed during the Japanese Showa period (1926-1989), this technique is characterised by different textures and patterns incorporated into the glass. The ‘Showa-kata itagarasu’ emits a unique light while offering a certain intimacy for inhabitants on the other side. This is also the reason it is commonly used for windows that give to the outdoors. “I was fascinated by the interplay of glass textures with the diffused color and form of the objects behind,” the photographer tells Spoon Tamago.

She then had the idea to capture the essence of the city by documenting this atypical glass, photographing these windows from every angle. She composes her shots like still lives in order to create the Soft Focus series that captures all the beauty of the suburbs of Kyoto. The ‘Showa-kata itagarasu’ evokes modesty, specific to Japanese culture. An ode to Japan, the poetry and delicacy of these photographs reveal a peaceful and mysterious Kyoto.