"We Easterners create beauty out of nothing by conjuring shadows." Japanese literary master Tanizaki Junichiro (1886-1965) wrote these words about 90 years ago in his essay, "In Praise of Shadows." Known as a masterpiece that elucidates Japanese aesthetics from the perspective of light and dark, his work continues to be read overseas as an excellent introduction to Japanese culture. This program depicts the world Tanizaki describes using advanced imaging technology. While weaving in the works and commentary of modern artists and persons of culture who have been influenced by Tanizaki, it depicts the world of subtle beauty that he loved.
