Photography and Possession

The Earthquake Bird

This flow traces how Teiji’s camera makes intimacy visible while leaving the people photographed uncertain about what the images mean.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The First Image The First Image from "The Earthquake Bird". The First Image Entering the Frame Teiji photographs Lucy’s feet and face beside a puddle at the Keio Plaza Hotel.

The First Image from "The Earthquake Bird". The First Image Entering the Frame Teiji photographs Lucy’s feet and face beside a puddle at the Keio Plaza Hotel.

The First Image Entering the Frame Teiji photographs Lucy’s feet and face beside a puddle at the Keio Plaza Hotel. Lucy interprets the camera’s attention as a form of intimacy. A Promise of Seeing The image seems to give Lucy entry into Teiji’s private vision, though she never sees the photograph. From the beginning, being photographed matters more to her than knowing what the picture contains.

The Private Archive The Private Archive from "The Earthquake Bird". The Private Archive A Collection Withheld Lucy opens boxes containing years of Teiji’s photographs, including childhood scenes and images of Sachi.

The Private Archive from "The Earthquake Bird". The Private Archive A Collection Withheld Lucy opens boxes containing years of Teiji’s photographs, including childhood scenes and images of Sachi.

The Private Archive A Collection Withheld Lucy opens boxes containing years of Teiji’s photographs, including childhood scenes and images of Sachi. The collection contains a life he has not shared with her. Looking Becomes Intrusion Teiji finds Lucy examining the prints and calls them private. Photography had appeared to connect them, but the archive reveals that his camera also protects a boundary Lucy has crossed.

Images After the Murder Images After the Murder from "The Earthquake Bird". Images After the Murder A Possible Witness Photographs place Lily at a McDonald’s after her last known meeting with Lucy and show a woman in a confined space.

Images After the Murder from "The Earthquake Bird". Images After the Murder A Possible Witness Photographs place Lily at a McDonald’s after her last known meeting with Lucy and show a woman in a confined space.

Images After the Murder A Possible Witness Photographs place Lily at a McDonald’s after her last known meeting with Lucy and show a woman in a confined space. Police infer that the images may connect Teiji to Lily. Evidence Without Testimony The photographs undermine Lucy’s confession but do not establish the photographer’s intent or prove a murder. Images can show a moment while withholding the explanation that viewers most want.

The rainy night Lucy meets Teiji

The evening Lucy searches Teiji’s apartment

The day police receive two photographs