Masako Miyazaki
at Pointe-à-la-croix

Masako Miyazaki’s The Other Side is a photographic collection that delves into a “place” that exists neither anywhere nor everywhere. This place is not tied to a specific “the,” nor is it simply an abstract “anywhere.” Instead, it represents a visual exploration of an area that defies conventional labels or meaning. These are the words of Japanese photographer Fumimasa Hosokawa. 

The locations I photograph range from the city I reside in to distant cities around the world. My photographic practice has developed through walking and observing scenes in many places. With The Other Side I strive to transport the viewer into a dreamlike world that exists within everyday life. By linking images from these varied locations, I am also bridging different cultures and telling a story that transcends geography. When I created this series 13 years ago, I was living in Tokyo. I was fascinated by things that lack a proper name. We use words to categorize the world, but in doing so, we often limit our perception. I believe the role of photography as an art form is to break free from these constraints. 

In 2024 I revisited this concept and captured new images for The Other Side in Montreal, where I now live. This allowed me to expand the series while reexamining photography’s role in “capturing the raw moment.” By using a square format with no cropping, and focusing on “the other side,” I aim to represent my perspective. I am captivated by scenes that offer fleeting glimpses into the simple, everyday lives of strangers in towns and cities. When I sense light (an intuition) in these landscapes and press the shutter, I no longer feel like an outsider. The scene synchronizes with my memory, creating a connection to the place.