From Tokyo to Toronto: Andy Lee's photo journey explores urban life across cultures

Documentary Media MFA student Andy Lee displayed his photo series Home Is Toronto; Tokyo Is Home at 183 Gallery in Moss Park as part of the CONTACT Photography Festival. The exhibit featured compare-and-contrast pieces about human environments to showcase the distinct ways humans live, work, create and experience the world. Based on his recent visits to Japan, Lee’s collection is a “visual exploration of the external landscapes of the two eponymous metropolises and surrounding areas.”

Bridging Tokyo and Toronto

During his visits to Japan, Lee was struck by both the differences and similarities between Tokyo and Toronto. Inspired by this discovery, he used shots of street art, skyscrapers, and other urban views to create parallel displays of the two cityscapes, which are complemented by  (audio file) audio reflections from Japanese-identifying participants (external link)  on the contrasts between the two cultures. He explains that the photo series explores the external commonalities resulting from globalization while also capturing the unique spirit and character inherent to each city.

“Graffiti, for example, is relatively rare in Japan due to a culture that prioritizes collective duty over individual freedom and expression,” Lee said. “At the same time, the series highlights the effects of globalization and a growing Japanese diaspora in downtown Toronto.”

Lee produced his series during a Contemporary Photographic Art course as part of the Photography Studies Certificate program. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed deep gratitude for his instructors. “Ruth Kaplan and Heather Canlas Rigg were helpful in developing my series from concept to final execution, and understanding the workings and nuances of the art industry, respectively,” he shared.

Home Is Toronto; Tokyo Is Home is a reflection on the interconnectedness and distinctiveness of urban life in different cultures, and Lee’s work stands as a testament to the power of photography to bridge geographical and cultural divides.

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