Katsu Naito

Katsu Naito, a distinguished Japanese photographer, embarked on his artistic journey in his early twenties after relocating to New York. Driven by a profound quest to capture the emotional resonance of life through his lens, Naito began documenting the vibrant tapestry of New Yorkers on the streets during the 1980s. His work seeks to forge moments of genuine emotional connection, portraying the human experience with an organic simplicity that invites viewers to engage deeply with his subjects. Naito views photography as a powerful medium that transcends time, allowing the emotions and sentiments of fleeting moments to be preserved for future generations. This belief imbues his work with a timeless quality, as he masterfully balances the ephemeral with the enduring. In 2017, Naito published a compelling collection of his photographs showcasing Harlem, titled *Once in Harlem*, which garnered critical acclaim. His poignant portraits of Japanese-American female survivors of internment and their descendants were commissioned and featured by *Vogue US* in 2019, highlighting his ability to address complex narratives with sensitivity and depth. In 2010, Naito made his international debut with the exhibition *West Side Rendezvous* at Nepenthes in New York, marking the beginning of a promising global presence in the art world. Through his lens, Naito continues to explore the interplay of emotion and environment, inviting us to reflect on the stories that shape our shared humanity.