#04“Photography + Perceiving Print”

Lecturers:
Masataka Ohata (Sun M Color Co., Ltd.)
Hiroshi Kimura (Sun M Color Co., Ltd.)
Kazuki Kitahara (UMMM Co., Ltd.)

Date: May 4 (Mon), 19:00–20:30
Venue: PURPLE

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Overview:
Even when using the same photographic data, the image seen on a smartphone screen differs significantly from one printed on paper in terms of brightness, color, texture, and sense of distance.

This talk explores where and why these differences arise through three perspectives: light and matter, continuity and particles, and flat surfaces and objects. By examining elements such as the emitted light of displays, the reflection of paper and ink, halftone dots, paper types, binding, and page sequencing, printing is reconsidered not as mere reproduction, but as a technique that designs and transforms perception.

Through comparative examples, this session invites participants to reflect on what occurs between photography and print, crossing the fields of technology, design, and bookmaking. It explores how changes in viewing environments and materials can expand the photographic experience itself.

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Masataka Ohata (SunM Color Co., Ltd.)
Printing Director and color management specialist. He has directed a wide range of printing projects, including photobooks, art books, artworks, and cultural heritage reproductions. In the field of contemporary art, he has collaborated with artists such as Teppei Kaneuji, Kazuki Takakura, and Emi Kusano. He is also involved in quality design for printers and scanners, as well as diagnostic assessment of printing presses. Independently, he conducts research on meaninglessness and randomness.

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Hiroshi Kimura (SunM Color Co., Ltd.)
Creative Director and portfolio reviewer for KYOTOGRAPHIE 2024. He has worked on numerous award-winning photobooks, including recipients of the Kimura Ihei Award and the Book Design Awards. Currently, his practice spans print design for photobooks and artist publications, technical support for exhibitions, projects utilizing in-house printers, and collaborations with galleries to develop online platforms for artwork sales.

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Kazuki Kitahara (UMMM Co., Ltd.)
Graphic designer. Founded UMMM in Kyoto in 2012. Engaged in a wide range of roles across the arts, including visual communication, planning, spatial design, and production. Recent work includes Chief Designer for KG+ (since 2023), Chief Designer for KYOTOGRAPHIE (2018–2022), design direction for Art Collaboration Kyoto #01, and producer of “Rinten” for Kyoto Shimbun Printing. He has also served as a part-time lecturer at Kyoto University of the Arts (since 2009) and as an advisor to Sun M Color.