Yo

SAI presents “Yo,” a new photographic exhibition by photographer Ryuichi Ishikawa, on view from Saturday June 20th through Saturday July 11th, 2026. This is Ishikawa’s second solo exhibition at SAI, following “The
Inside of Life” in 2021.

In his previous exhibition, “The Inside of Life,” Ishikawa immersed himself deeply in the natural world devoid of human presence, exploring the increasingly ambiguous boundary between self and environment, while
revealing the beauty residing within life itself through his experiences as a hunter. Throughout his career, Ishikawa has consistently engaged with the theme of life and existence. In this exhibition, he presents a series of portrait photographs primarily taken in Okinawa, his birthplace and the base of his artistic practice.

Since the 1980s, portrait photography has undergone significant development within contemporary art through the work of artists such as Cindy Sherman, Thomas Ruff, and Wolfgang Tillmans. Through the portrait, themes including identity, gender, stereotypes, and the relationship between subject and photographer have been
explored and articulated.

The individuals appearing in “Yo” are people whom Ishikawa approached on the street and photographed on the spot. While a small number are individuals known to him personally, most are anonymous figures whose paths crossed with the artist only momentarily. The photographs portray people of diverse ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. Through their clothing, posture, and gaze, each subject’s individuality and personal history emerge, inviting the viewer’s imagination. At the same time, rendered with remarkable precision through Ishikawa’s lens, these images seem to encourage us to read beyond the subjects’ conscious self-presentation and into the depths of their inner worlds.

Through the medium of photography, Ishikawa refers to the sensation that arises within the viewer as “Yo.” In an age where images proliferate endlessly, information circulates as value, and both contribute to the
formation of social hierarchies, there remains something that continues to endure within the photograph itself.

We invite you to experience this exhibition and discover what remains.