‹

›

On September 30th, the “Silent Speech” dialogue exhibition featuring Masato Seto and Zou Lei, curated by Zhao Lei, opened at the D.FOTO Art Space in Dalian, China. Photography lovers from across Dalian gathered for the event. The Consulate-General of Japan in Shenyang supported the exhibition, with Chief Representative Nobuko Hamada attending and delivering remarks. Corporate representatives, including Yusuke Nakagawa, President of Panasonic Automotive Systems China, also sent congratulatory flowers.

The exhibition, themed “Photographs always speak, even in silence,” showcases 30 years of Masato Seto’s “Silent Mode” series, alongside futuristic “Silent Mode” works created by Zou Lei using CG technology and generative AI, as well as interactive pieces that engage the audience directly.

“Silence” is not emptiness—it is a form of revelation. Subtle facial expressions, stretched moments, breaths and pauses intertwine to form an ethical field of imagery. Drawing from Seto’s portraiture practice, Zou Lei expands the act of viewing from a one-directional power relationship into a multi-directional and fluid process through generative art and interactive installations. (Curator)

When photography and new media are placed side by side, the conditions of viewing are rewritten. Digital algorithms, interactive devices, and image reproduction technologies disrupt the traditional indexicality of photography—yet at the same time, they create new forms of presence. The viewer can be triggered, reflected, and engaged, transforming the image from a passive display into a space for dialogue. (Curator)

In her speech, Chief Representative Hamada expressed her delight in being able to appreciate these works in Dalian, in the presence of both artists—Masato Seto and Zou Lei—and shared her hope that the exhibition would further promote cultural exchange between Japan and Dalian through the medium of photography.

Curator Zhao Lei hosted the opening ceremony and delivered remarks.

Artist Masato Seto attended and gave a speech.

Zou Lei delivered remarks.

Chief Representative Nobuko Hamada delivered remarks.