Portrait of a Salt Exhibitionist
USA | Saturday, 1 August 2015 | Views [247] | Scholarship Entry
As a visual journalist, I have met many powerful and influential people. But it's the unassuming people that have had the greatest impression on me. Motoi Yamamoto is one of those people.
Following the death of his sister, he grieved. As an artist, he explored many mediums to help cope with his great loss. After years of depression and struggle, he found his medium: salt.
Culturally, salt has no importance to people in the United States, but in Japan, it's an important symbol in funeral processions. Mr. Yamamoto creates temporary installations across the world using salt, taking weeks to create, one grain at a time. It's this time-consuming, devout dedication that impacted me greatly.
Only through travel and sharing can we enrich the rest of the world with cultural beauty. If I am selected to travel to Columbia, I know that I will find similar beauty on the beaches and communities of Columbia. And through guidance of a seasoned videographer, I know the final video will inspire people from around the world to want to experience the rich cultures of Columbia.
Tags: 2015 Film Scholarship to Colombia