AWARDS

Born in 1987 in Hokkaido, MORIYA currently based in Kyoto and Tokyo. He studied photography at Nihon University College of Art and earned a master’s degree in photography from Kyoto University of Art and Design (now Kyoto University of the Arts). During his studies, he explored classical photographic techniques and the history of early photographs, cultivating an interest in artistic methods like the pinhole phenomenon and camera obscura, which are closely linked to fine art.

After more than 20 years from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, when he revisited the photos that he had taken of his room damages by the earthquake, he realized that the earthquake itself was unseen in the photos. At the same time, the memories of his daily life before the disaster resurfaced in his mind. This experience inspired his interest in the dual meanings of “what is not captured” within photography and led him to adapt photography as his primary means of expression. He has immersed himself in exploring ways to recall scenes, objects, and events that once existed, with his work focusing on the themes of absence and loss.

His exhibitions include “Distant peal”, held at Hall Keiryu, Gojo Hanbey-Fu in Kyoto and Sapporo Odori 500m Underground Walkway Gallery in Sapporo, both in 2024; “only the voice remained, sube to shirube 2022 #01”, Gallery PARC in Kyoto in 2022, “Lights go Beyond : Mitake Isa + Moriya Yuki” held at Kyoto Art Center in 2019; “Kiritorimederu to Mizen no Bohyo (aruiha nekodoga no jidai) 2019-2020” at Parplume Gallery, Kanagawa, from 2019 to 2020.

He received the Recognition Award, selected by Rei Masuda, at the 21st 1_WALL Award in 2019, and the Recognition Award, selected by Ryudai Takano, at the 14th 1_WALL Award in 2016.

Website: https://yk-mry.com/

Artist Statements

I am honored to have received the Special Photographer Award of the prestigious Higashikawa Awards. I began creating “Distant peal” around two months after Israel launched its invasion of Gaza in 2023. I remember spending my days working inside a darkened war ruin, imagining past wars and ongoing conflicts, while horrific scenes were being reported daily in the news. I couldn’t help but feel uneasy about the fact that, despite my heavy heart, I found myself moved by the beauty of the images projected in the pinhole room.

That experience made me realize once again that I carry within me a complex, indivisible gradient of emotions—and I am still searching for the words that affirm those feelings. Even in an era where violence has not yet ended, the desire to live as though walking brightly through the darkness continues to guide my work. I hope my work can, even in some small way, evoke memories of past wars and provide an opportunity to reflect on the conflicts of today.

I extend my deepest gratitude to my family, friends, and acquaintances who have supported my creative journey.

MORIYA Yuki