Umibe (of Mura no Kokoro) 2024
Searching for the magic in the world around us, looking for the surreal in the mundane.
Mura no Kokoro focuses on the magic of a depopulated piece of Japanese countryside. Together with the locals I investigated what makes such an area special despite the gigantic urbanization and socio-economic problems of Japan. Prints on local washi, small hand-bound magazines and a (free) online map are part of the project.
My work often plays in an investigative way on subjects such as aging, stagnation, urbanization – but is not limited to these subjects. Photography is the art of mixing reality with vision, which I do by working with the magic of everyday life – and an underlayer of criticism about nature versus man, capitalism, the lack of appreciation of what we have and with a fear of repetition.
Material things, real things, are important to be able to share my vision well: I use scent, sound, choice of material and (large) format to take people into my world.
Umi no Gekkō (of Mura no Kokoro) 2024
Searching for the magic in the world around us, looking for the surreal in the mundane.
Like other artists, I am fascinated by nature, people, behavior and sharing through sensory experiences. My images are investigative and deal with subjects that transcend my Dutch heritage.
In my work you find an outspoken use of color, textures, intensity in contrast and the appearance of the subject; strong, beautiful, honest. The everyday becomes larger than life. I see magic in everything around us, something that quickly disappears in the rush of modern existence. Simply appreciating feels almost rebellious in a world that always wants more. A medium told me that in a previous life I was a Japanese monk, which could explain the fascination with this country and my belief that everything can have a soul (and deserves appreciation).
Note: The text above was written by the Artist. No modification was made by COCA.
Maan Limburg
Netherlands
Maan Limburg (‘88, Utrecht) is an interdisciplinary artist who layers her photography with visual arts and journalism. Her work is as ambiguous as real life – wonderful and full of questions. Recent projects explored themes such as the feeling of standing still (Like Stone, 2020), the magic and desolation of the ageing Japanese countryside “The Lost World”, the playful anticipation of the wave of AI art (My AI Dreams, 2023) and the magic of everyday life in the Japanese countryside (Mura no Kokoro, 2024).
She combines her own projects with work for commercial clients, enjoying the diversity photography brings. Since 2020 Maan showcased her work at various exhibitions and festivals, including Rotterdam Photo, Naarden Foto Festival, Photopia Hamburg, and (solo) exhibitions in Utrecht, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Her first artist book "The Lost World” was published in 2022. CNN Travel wrote: “The Lost World is more than just a photo book – it’s an homage to the country she loves and respects."