Visual Artist Imagines Meeting Her Younger Self in These Nostalgic Double Self-Portraits

Chino Otsuka Imagine Finding Me 1981 2006 Ofuna Japan

Chino Otsuka Imagine Finding Me 1981 2006 Ofuna Japan1981 and 2006, Ofuna, Japan

What if you passed a younger version of yourself on the street but didn’t even know you were there? Visual artist Chino Otsuka explores this and other themes in her photo series Imagine Finding Me. Using double self portraits as a mode of self reflection, Otsuka transposes recent images of herself onto her photographs from younger days. In these portraits her older self meets her younger self in settings that are neither past nor present.

“The digital process becomes a tool, almost like a time machine, as I’m embarking on the journey to where I once belonged and at the same time becoming a tourist in my own history,” Otsuka tells the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). Born in Japan, Otsuka moved to the UK at age 10 and has since felt she exists in a constant state of flux where there is no one place she belongs. She expresses this emotion in the settings of her double self portraits, which take place in transitional locations like bridges and hotel rooms.

Otsuka’s Imagine Finding Me series is her most exhibited work, showing in over 14 countries. She was named a finalist for the AIMIA|AGO Photography Prize 2013. Inspired by her work? Check out Otsuka’s book Photo Album: Chino Otsuka.

 

1975 and 2005, Spain

Chino Otsuka Imagine Finding Me 1975 2005 Spain

 

1975 and 2009, Pont des Arte France

Chino Otsuka Imagine Finding Me 1975 2009 Pont des Arte France

 

1976 and 2005, Kamakura, Japan

Chino Otsuka Imagine Finding Me 1976 2005 Kamakura Japan

 

1979 and 2006, Kitakamakura, Japan

Chino Otsuka Imagine Finding Me 1979 2006 Kitakamakura Japan

 

1982 and 2005, Paris, France

Chino Otsuka Imagine Finding Me 1982 2005 Paris France

 

1984 and 2005, London, UK

Chino Otsuka Imagine Finding Me 1984 2005 London UK

 

1984 and 2005, Richmond Hotel, France

Chino Otsuka Imagine Finding Me 1984 2005 Richmond Hotel France

 

1985 and 2005, Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China

Chino Otsuka Imagine Finding Me 1985 2005 Beijing China

Images by Chino Otsuka
via Demilked

Lauren Mobertz

By Lauren Mobertz

Lauren is the former managing editor for DashBurst. One part geek, one part urban nomad, she is constantly scouting for the latest tech and world news. In the evenings you'll find Lauren running in strange places or attempting to dance salsa.