ULANA SWITUCHA

First appearing in Japan around the 10th century, torii evolved from simple wooden structures into the iconic forms seen across the country today. They mark the transition from the secular to the sacred, serving as enduring symbols of reverence for the Kami: deities believed to dwell within the natural world. Architectural and symbolic, these gates embody reflection, balance, and the harmony between humanity and nature, and today stand as enduring symbols of Japan’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Like many Hong Kong residents, Ulana Switucha is captivated by Japan. Yet her decade-long journey is uniquely devoted to photographing its torii. Over the years, Switucha has developed a deep familiarity with these gates, portraying them as quiet sentinels amid seas, coastal shores, and snow-covered terrain.

Her approach emphasises minimalism and stillness: through careful use of negative space, soft natural light, and long exposures, she distils each scene to its elemental forms — wood, stone, water, and sky — allowing the gates to emerge as meditative focal points. Suspended between permanence and impermanence, presence and absence, the photographs evoke a contemplative space, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and experience the quiet beauty of these places.

“Japan continues to be a top travel destination for Hong Kong residents, who are captivated not only by its vibrant cities but also by its rich cultural heritage and serene spiritual landscapes,” says Sarah Greene, director of Blue Lotus Gallery. “Through this exhibition at Blue Lotus, we aim to bring a touch of what we cherish most about Japan to Hong Kong.”

Each composition on show emphasises the interplay of light, space, and form, revealing how these gates both assert human presence and harmonise with their surroundings. The exhibition journey mirrors the quiet meditation of the photographs, encouraging reflection on our relationship to place, time, and stillness.

“When I encounter a gate in a natural setting, I slow down, observe the world, and reflect,” Switucha explains. “I notice the soft colours of sakura, the brilliance of autumn leaves, the scent of forests, or the gentle sound of waves. Each experience becomes a meditation, and the gates act as prompts for stillness and presence.”

The exhibition at Blue Lotus Gallery will run from 13 November to 14 December 2025, presenting around fifteen prints that trace Switucha’s journey, offering Hong Kong audiences the chance to experience the meditative beauty of Japan. Torii, the photobook, is published in Hong Kong by Blue Lotus Editions. Both the book and limited-edition prints will be available during the exhibition.