2023-05-09

Accidentally Wes Anderson

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 200 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2.0
Velvia/Vivid film simulation

Exterior Wall Art

Location: Warehouse Terrada G3 Building, Tennozu Isle, Tokyo, Japan
Timestamp: 14:11 May 9, 2023

On my way to the “Accidentally Wes Anderson” (AWA) exhibition, I  came across this captivating exterior wall of a historic warehouse that has undergone a transformation, now serving as a versatile space for artistic exhibitions, corporate events, exclusive gatherings, photographers, and filmmakers.

This site not only offers a versatile site creative pursuits but also encompasses an array of functional amenities within its walls. The building houses cutting-edge data storage centers, rental lockers, hosts climate-controlled wine storage facilities, provides specialized art storage facilities, and boasts vault services.

Whether you are captivated by its versatile event spaces, artistic charm, or the multitude of storage solutions it offers, this repurposed warehouse is an epitome of adaptability and functionality—a running theme found throughout Tennozu Isle.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 640 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2.0
Provia/Standard film simulation

Church in New Zealand by Kalpesh Tailor

Location: Warehouse Terrada G1 Building, Tennozu Isle, Tokyo, Japan
Timestamp: 14:34 May 9, 2023

This is a snapshot of a photograph that is a part of the Accidentally Wes Anderson (AWA) exhibition held in Tokyo, capturing the essence of Wes Anderson's aesthetic. It was skillfully taken by Kalpesh Tailor, a talented photographer and graphic designer hailing from Auckland, New Zealand.

The image beautifully showcases the Kohekohe Church, a charming structure built around 1886, situated in Awhitu, New Zealand. It has been included in the Places of Worship collection, which is one of the highlights of the AWA exhibition hosted on Tennozu Isle in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 800 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2.0
Provia/Standard film simulation

Shinkansen Bullet Train Conductors

Location: Warehouse Terrada G1 Building, Tennozu Isle, Tokyo, Japan
Timestamp: 14:45 May 9, 2023

This snapshot features two photographs from the Accidentally Wes Anderson (AWA) exhibition in Tokyo, beautifully capturing Wes Anderson's distinctive aesthetic. Both images were taken by Wally and Amanda, the founders of AWA, a talented husband and wife duo based in Brooklyn, New York.

The photographs showcase the diligent professionals of the Shinkansen bullet train lines that crisscross the Japanese archipelago and can reach top speeds of 320 kilometres-per-hour (198.84 mph).

These captivating shots are part of the remarkable “On the Rails” collection, which is another one of the highlights of the AWA exhibition hosted on Tennozu Isle in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 640 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2.0
Provia/Standard film simulation

Boarding Stairs to Turboprop Airliner

Location: Warehouse Terrada G1 Building, Tennozu Isle, Tokyo, Japan
Timestamp: 14:47 May 9, 2023

At the main entrance of the Accidentally Wes Anderson (AWA) exhibition in Tokyo, the first thing you'll notice is a snapshot featuring boarding stairs to a Vickers Viscount turboprop airliner from around 1948 taken by Paul Fuentes, a photographer based in London.

The photographer behind this composition is Paul Fuentes who is  based in London. His signature style revolves around pastel-colored compositions that draw inspiration from the vibrant urbanscape of Palm Springs, California. Fuentes' work seamlessly aligns with the essence of the AWA exhibition.

One notable aspect of the AWA exhibition is its departure from the usual art exhibition norms. Rather than discouraging photography, it openly encourages visitors to take snapshots and share their experiences on social media. This interactive approach adds to the unique charm of the exhibition.

Located on Tennozu Isle in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, the AWA exhibition will be open until May 26th, allowing visitors ample time to immerse themselves in this captivating world of accidental Wes Anderson-esque aesthetics.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 1250 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2.0
Provia/Standard film simulation

Young Father Cradling Baby in Front Pack with Mom

Location: Warehouse Terrada G1 Building, Tennozu Isle, Tokyo, Japan
Timestamp: 14:55 May 9, 2023

The optimal time to visit any attraction or art show in Tokyo or Yokohama where the facilities have limited space is on a weekday. When I visited the "Accidentally Wes Anderson" (AWA) exhibition in Tokyo, it happened to be on a Tuesday afternoon. On that day, there were no lines to purchase tickets, and although certain parts of the exhibition were slightly crowded, one could simply be patient and wait a short while for a viewing space to open up.

I can only imagine how crowded it gets on weekends, which would make it quite challenging for photographers to capture their desired compositions or to get the perfect pose with the artwork without causing inconvenience to other visitors.

The AWA exhibition is conveniently located within a 5-minute walk from Tennozu Isle Station on the Rinkai Line in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo. Alternatively, if you prefer driving, there is a surprisingly abundant selection of coin parking lots and parking garages nearby, and their prices are reasonably affordable compared to most other parking facilities in central Tokyo. 

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 640 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2.0
Provia/Standard film simulation

Photographer Photographing a Photographer Photographing a Photograph 🤣

Location: Warehouse Terrada G1 Building, Tennozu Isle, Tokyo, Japan
Timestamp: 15:10 May 9, 2023

One notable aspect of the AWA exhibition is its departure from the norms typically seen in art exhibitions. Instead of discouraging photography, it openly encourages visitors to take snapshots and share their experiences on social media. This interactive approach adds to the exhibition's unique charm and fosters a sense of engagement.

Thanks to this approach, I have been able to encourage fellow photographers to visit the exhibition and bring their cameras along, creating a vibrant community of visual storytellers.

Once you find an artwork you like, you can locate the corresponding photo on the AWA website to discover the backstory behind the image and learn more about the photographer. You can also choose to follow them online or bookmark their websites for future reference.

Overall, this policy creates a win-win situation for the original artists and serves as a profound source of inspiration for semi-professional photographers like myself.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 800 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2.0
Velvia/Vivid film simulation

Shades of Blue and Pink

Location: Warehouse Terrada G1 Building, Tennozu Isle, Tokyo, Japan
Timestamp: 15:35 May 9, 2023

At the AWA Tokyo exhibition, one of the many sections showcased an array of photographs from AWA's Pink Collection and Classic Facades Collection. These collections stand out for their distinct charm and aesthetic appeal.

While orange is traditionally considered the complementary color to blue, I couldn't help but notice how well pink harmonizes with blue in the displayed photographs.

In this cropped shot, I captured a unique scene where every visitor was donning a shade of blue, which would have further elevated the scene if the walls had been painted in a soft shade of pink, evoking a distinctive Wes Anderson-esque atmosphere.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 160 for 1/1100 sec. at ƒ/4.0
Provia/Standard film simulation

“The Shamisen” Shinagawa 2019 by Aryz

Location: Toyoko Inn Tokyo Shinagawa Konan-Guchi Tennozu Isle Hotel, Tokyo, Japan
Timestamp: 16:20 May 9, 2023

Taking inspiration from Harunobu Suzuki's traditional ukiyo-e depicting two women playing the shamisen by a river, Octavi Arrizabalaga (also known as Aryz) carefully selected the ideal location for his artwork. Situated amidst canals on all four sides, this setting perfectly complemented the painting's exquisite beauty, especially when viewed from a small boat gliding along the canal.

The creation of this masterpiece took place in 2019, adorning an exterior wall of the Toyoko Inn Tokyo Shinagawa Konan-Guchi Tennozu Isle Hotel parking garage, just in time for the Tennozu Art Festival 2019. This festival showcased a diverse collection of new murals across the entire island.

Currently based in Europe, Aryz operates from studio houses in Spain and France, where he dedicates his talents to indoor mural artwork. After several years of painting exterior walls around the globe, he now focuses on crafting captivating pieces within indoor spaces.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 640 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/11
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City Canal & Steel Truss Bridge

Location: Tennozu Isle, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo
Timestamp: 17:35 May 9, 2023

From the northeastern corner of Tennozu Isle, adjacent to the Meguro River and next to the B&C Exhibition Hall, a captivating scene unfolds where a small cruiser rests gracefully in front of T.Y. Harbor, while slightly upstream, the Tennozu Fureai Bridge comes into view. And if you cast your gaze further into the distance, the towering high-rise World City apartment complexes paint the skyline.

At this particular corner of the island, a glimpse into history awaits you. Looking downwards, the original retainer walls dating back to 1853 during the Edo Period reveal themselves. Back then, this sandbar was transformed into a cannon battery, along with eleven others, to safeguard Edo (now known as Tokyo) against potential attacks from U.S. Naval Commodore Perry. In 1851, Perry had insisted that the shogunate open up for trade and establish international relations.

In present times, many of the erstwhile warehouses have been converted into upscale retail establishments, art galleries, exhibition centers, state-of-the-art R&D facilities, fine dining establishments, craft breweries, and, interestingly, a few warehouses still serve their original purpose as distribution centers for goods, as they have done for several decades.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 1250 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/11
Astia/Soft film simulation

Park and Steel Box Girder Bridge over Takahama Canal

Location: Tennozu Isle, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo
Timestamp: 17:35 May 9, 2023

Starting from the northeastern corner of Tennozu Isle, right by the Meguro River and in close proximity to the B&C Exhibition Hall, an intriguing scene unfolds along the canal. Here, the focal point is Konan Park, adorned with a piece of modern art sculpture titled Tap. Casting our gaze further north, our eyes are captivated by Shinagawa Tower Face, a high-rise apartment building that pierces the urban skyline.

What truly enchants me, however, are the gleaming exteriors of these towering structures, juxtaposed with the charming additions of parks and bridges that cater to pedestrians. Nestled amidst the concrete and glass jungle, these delightful green spaces, waterfronts, and unique bridges effortlessly coalesce to form the vibrant urbanscape of Tokyo's waterfront.

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 160 for 1/480 sec. at ƒ/2.8
Astia/Soft film simulation

Boardwalk Along Meguro River

Location: Tennozu Isle, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo
Timestamp: 17:42 May 9, 2023

Since 2004, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been actively implementing the Canal Renaissance Project, a collaborative endeavor involving both private and public sectors. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance public accessibility to Tokyo Bay's numerous waterfront areas along canals and riversides while simultaneously increasing the presence of green spaces in each waterfront location.

This boardwalk is merely one among many projects that have been developed to benefit local communities and attract tourists. These spaces provide opportunities for individuals to take pleasant walks, unwind after a long day of work, or participate in various events organized by nearby exhibition spaces.

After visiting the AWA Art Exhibition, I took a moment to relax on this boardwalk and enjoy a drink bought at the local café. The air was filled with the delightful fragrance of blooming roses, the gentle hum of river cruise boats passing by, and the comforting warmth of the weather as the day neared its end. It was a perfect way to unwind just before sunset and conclude the day.


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