Olivier Robert: Japan Coastlines | MONOVISIONS - Black & White Photography Magazine

MonoVisions Black & White Photo Contest 2025

My approach consists in using the ‘unintentional aesthetic’ of the man-made objects or structures left alongside the coasts to reveal a personal appreciation of the way these objects and the landscapes answer each other. It also tries to depict my interrogation about the influence of these man-made objects on the perception we have of the landscape or the way they affect it. They become parts of the landscape and most don’t pay attention to them anymore. We get use to get them in the view. Whether it be for the expression of a sacred belief or just simple fishing structures, these objects pertain to the waterscapes with harmony and singular beauty. Having spent time taking photographs of the coastlines around Japan, I’ve also been honored to photograph the remains of the World War 2 buildings off the shores of the Nagasaki prefecture. An intense and emotional moment (part of this selection).

Olivier Robert is a professional photographer sharing his life between Europe and Japan. His approach is based on a minimalist expression for more than 25 years. Initiated very early to photography and dark room process, he got his first camera at the age of 15. At that time, he also discovered Asia. This intense experience has drastically influenced his way of life and his vision of the world. From then on, photography, traditional ink-painting and Asian philosophy have been closely linked.

Website: www.olivierrobert.net

‘Japan Coastlines’ was the Black & White Landscapes Series of the Year Honorable Mention Winner in the MonoVisions Photography Awards 2017