Fumi Nagasaka, a talented Japanese photographer who has made her mark in the United States, presents a unique perspective on rural American life in her latest monograph, “Dora, Yerkwood, Walker County, Alabama.” Her journey, which began with her arrival in New York in 2002, has culminated in a profound exploration of community and adolescence in America. Driven by curiosity and creative passion, Nagasaka’s work delves deep into the cultural fabric of American society, presenting an intimate and humanizing portrayal of a region often overshadowed by political and social stereotypes.
The 2016 election profoundly impacted Fumi Nagasaka’s artistic journey. “I never really paid attention to politics before the 2016 election,” she admitted, reflecting on the shift in her perspective following Trump’s victory. Despite the political turmoil, Nagasaka remained focused on her craft, utilizing photography as a bridge to connect with people and cultures despite language barriers. “Photography became a tool for me to meet people,” she explained, highlighting the power of her art in transcending linguistic and cultural divides.
Her work, characterized by a deep exploration of adolescence and culture across various countries, has produced acclaimed books like “Untitled Youth,” “Teenage Riot,” and “Marching Wolves.” The 2016 election, however, steered her towards the American South, specifically Walker County, Alabama. Partnering with Tanya Rouse, Nagasaka embarked on an annual pilgrimage to Dora, capturing the essence of its community life through her lens.
Initially met with skepticism due to her unfamiliarity and the intrusive nature of her medium format camera, Nagasaka overcame these barriers by engaging with the local community and media. “Everybody reads it, so we reached out about my project, and an article came out,” she said, referencing her collaboration with the local newspaper to gain the community’s trust and understanding.
Her book eschews explicit political imagery, focusing instead on the human aspect of Walker County. “Many people… sometimes associate the South with poverty and rural blight, and while it is undeniable that those things exist, what I found in Walker County was beautiful, charming and full of love,” Nagasaka observed in the books afterward. This approach reflects her desire to highlight the community’s warmth and charm rather than its political landscape.
Fumi Nagasaka’s “Dora, Yerkwood, Walker County, Alabama” is a testament to her artistic vision and empathetic approach to photography. Through her lens, Nagasaka has captured images and the very soul of a community often misunderstood and overlooked. Her work transcends mere documentation, offering a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and warmth of rural America. As she eloquently puts it, the project is her “love letter to the community,” a celebration of life beyond the political divide, inviting viewers to see the world through her empathetic and artistic eyes.
