Reflecting on her journey and experiences in the United States, Japanese photographer Fumi Nagasaka disclosed her shift in attention towards American politics post the 2016 election. Having moved to New York in 2002, the electoral win of Obama, followed by the controversial victory of Trump, significantly impacted her perception of the nation. “When it happened, I felt the country was coming apart,” she shared.
Nagasaka’s primary focus had initially revolved around her creative practice. Her move to the United States presented her with a sense of liberation, offering opportunities to explore diverse creative pathways. “In the US, educational backgrounds seemed less important than talent and knowledge,” she remarked. Commencing her journey by capturing American street style for a Japanese magazine in the early 2000s, she gradually transitioned to more culturally centered, personal works.
Driven by this sentiment, Nagasaka embarked on long-term projects exploring youth culture across various countries, culminating in the publication of several acclaimed books. Intrigued by the American South and motivated by the 2017 election results, Nagasaka ventured to Dora, Alabama, resulting in her newest monograph, “Dora, Yerkwood, Walker County, Alabama.”
Her experiences in Dora, a small town of 2,300 residents, unveiled the stark contrasts between the cityscape of New York and the serene rural landscapes. “I encountered some incredible individuals,” Nagasaka recalled, reminiscing about her encounters during festive events like Halloween and homecoming celebrations.
Teaming up with a local resident, Nagasaka made an annual pilgrimage to Dora, amassing a rich visual narrative of their six-year immersion into the county’s life. Initially met with skepticism due to her camera, Nagasaka eased tension by engaging with locals through her Instagram portfolio and local media. This outreach broadened her project’s scope and acceptance within the community.
While documenting the series in 2020, Nagasaka’s separate commission to cover the presidential election exposed her to the contrasting political inclinations between her newfound friends in Dora and her acquaintances in New York. She observed disparities in the reception of Trump and Biden supporters and encountered varying responses across racial groups.
Despite its political roots, Nagasaka’s book doesn’t explicitly feature political symbols or references. Instead, it embodies the essence of human emotion, portraying moments of happiness, tranquility, and love. “Dora, Yerkwood, Walker County, Alabama” represents a deeper celebration of the human spirit, transcending the conventional portrayals associated with the Southern region.
Acknowledging her transformative experience, Nagasaka concluded, “This project altered my perspective and became my tribute to this community.” Her genuine affection for the people she met during her exploration radiates through the work, reflecting an authentic sense of intimacy between the community and Nagasaka herself.
