Boys and the Rocks They Touch (2024)

Boys and the Rocks They Touch is an intimate exploration of the relationship between the human form and the surrounding landscape. During my time in Tokyo, I frequently visited the mountains and rock formations of Mitake, a place where climbers from all over the world gather to boulder the large rock structures lining the Tama River. I quickly became captivated by how the climbers occupied this space and how their bodies moved within and around the imposing rock formations. The parallels between the muscles, veins, and bone structures of the climbers and the contours, curves, and textures of the rocks fascinated me. It became evident that the climbers deeply appreciated the rocks- an almost romantic relationship with their surfaces. Their hesitancy, reverence, and adoration for the landscape mirrored the care and respect the rocks seemed to demand. The more time I spent observing this space, the more I recognized the mutual exchange between the climbers and the landscape. I could decipher the love and care the environment provided to the climbers and the deep respect they reciprocated toward the rocks.