Imanishi’s work tells of his travels to over 50 countries

What say you on the issue below?

Combining his passion for photography and travelling, Hayato Imanishi has set foot in more than 50 countries.

He has scaled the Himalayan Mountains in Nepal, shared a tent with a sadhu (Hindu monk) in India during the Kubh Mela (a mass Hindu pilgrimage), befriended children selling souvenirs in Cambodia and marvelled at the gorgeous lakes in Jiuzaigou Valley, China.

Mystical: ‘Energy of Sadhu’ was taken in India.

Photos detailing his interesting backpacking journeys are now exhibited at The Warehouse Gallery, a new establishment in town that combines a café, restaurant and gallery under one roof.

The exhibition, titled Fragments of Beauty, is an ambitious dream taking shape — the 30-year-old aspired to display his works in foreign lands as he travels.

“I normally travel for a period of time and then return to Japan to work. Once I have earned enough money, I hit the road again,” he explained.

Malaysia is his second destination after an exhibition in Armenia last July. Prior to that, he had participated in three exhibitions in Japan.

At dawn: ‘Magic Hour in Santorini’ was taken in Greece.

“I am interested to check out the cultures in Malaysia as I was told it is a multiracial country,” said Imanishi, who hails from the Gifu Prefecture in central Japan.

As soon as he touched down in Kuala Lumpur in mid-October, he approached several galleries to explore exhibition opportunities.

He was referred to The Warehouse Gallery and now, 29 of his photos are adorning the white walls of the gallery till Nov 4.

The photos — portraits, landscapes and people in holy places or engaged in religious activities — exuded peace, tranquility and contentment.

A photo titled “Holy Boy” featured an Indian boy looking directly into the lens, smiling. His face and bare shoulders were covered in a layer of striking pink dust.

“It was a festival in India where people throw colourful powder onto each other to ward off evil spirits,” said Imanishi.

‘Holy Boy’ was taken in India.

Another photo showed a Cambodian girl flashing a toothy smile. Imanishi had spent three days playing with the children, catching their attention with bubbles, balloons or origami, before the girl smiled.

“I prefer to take my time, establishing rapport with the people before I take their photos,” he said.

Beautiful sunsets and sunrises were frozen with a click on the shutter, allowing viewers to savour the breathtaking moments.

One such photo was captured at Kala Pathar during his three-week trek in the Himalayans.

“It snowed a day before so the sky was clear and cloudless. The sun sank slowly, leaving a fiery orange peak,” he said.

“Magic Hour in Santorini” featured the horizon in orange and yellow hues as the city lit up at dusk.

“In Japan, we describe this particular moment as magic hour when the sky is painted in multiple colours,” he said.

Imanishi had chosen to print his works on washi papers instead of the usual glossy photographic papers.

Pointing out the uneven edges and textured surface, he said the pricey papers manufactured in Japan add warmth to the photos.

Besides, “it is a way to introduce Japanese culture to the people.”

When this exhibition draws to an end, Imanishi would travel to Malacca and Johor before leaving for Singapore and Indonesia.

He also plans to visit Borneo and spend time with the natives.

The Warehouse Gallery is located at 198, Jalan Tun HS Lee, KL.