The beauty of everyday life: Takeshi Aruga's captivating phone photography
In the realm of photography, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of breathtaking landscapes or meticulously crafted compositions. But what about the beauty that surrounds us every day? Takeshi Aruga, a Japanese photographer and furniture designer, challenges this notion with his captivating phone pictures. One particular shot, taken on a mundane walk back home from a hospital appointment, showcases his unique perspective and thought-provoking message.
Aruga's journey began with a simple stroll through the streets of Okegawa, Japan. As he walked, he stumbled upon a familiar sight: a shopping center called PAPA Ageo. However, it was the blue signboard outside the multistory car park that truly caught his eye. What made this seemingly ordinary object so captivating? The signboard's dual purpose.
"On the side visible to drivers coming down, it usually displays a message like 'Thank you for visiting' along with directions for turning left or right to avoid traffic congestion," Aruga explains. "Just behind is a red box, likely for a fire extinguisher." But it's the interplay of these everyday elements that sparked his creativity.
Aruga's background in furniture design and making has undoubtedly influenced his approach to photography. He appreciates the geometric composition and the striking contrast created by the various colors. "I also liked how the various colors created a striking contrast and balance," he adds. With the help of Lightroom and Snapseed apps, he made minor edits to enhance the image's impact.
This particular photograph serves as a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. Aruga's work challenges the notion that we need to venture to exotic locations or create elaborate compositions to capture something special. Instead, he encourages us to look closer at the spaces we pass through daily.
"Due to various circumstances, I’ve not been able to create minimalist furniture, lighting, or three-dimensional sculptures recently, so I’ve used photography as an alternative creative outlet," Aruga says. "Sometimes people ask me where the shot was taken, or how I came upon such a beautiful place. I’m keen to let them know that it was on an ordinary street corner. We all tend to think we can’t enjoy wonderful experiences or happiness unless we go to special places, but in reality, these things exist in the spaces we pass through every day."
Aruga's message is a powerful one: beauty and happiness are not confined to far-flung destinations or elaborate setups. They are present in the mundane, the ordinary, and the everyday. His work invites us to embrace a new perspective, one that sees the extraordinary in the ordinary, and to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, even on a simple walk home.
