Mono No Aware

Nothing, no one, is permanent. We are all transient, existing for a brief amount of time – like a falling star in the night sky. And we spend this brief existence chasing things and people we think will cling to us forever. Slow down a bit, look around, enjoy the beauty of life – yours and others’ – for everything is ephemeral.

Often translated to “the pathos of things,” the traditional Japanese concept mono no aware (物の哀れ) means an empathy or sensitivity towards things that last only for a short period. It’s an awareness of impermanence and involves both feelings of joy and sadness as this is the truth of life. Aware is often translated as sadness due to the lack of appropriate term. But its essence is the experience of ‘being deeply moved by emotions that may include joy and love as well sadness.’

Started during the forced isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Mono No Aware is a collection of images that result from slowing down, taking time to observe, and putting those observations into a frame while admiring the ephemeral nature of life. Created in moments of solitude – oh, what a privilege that is, often accompanied by inexplicable melancholy, these monochrome pictures are a peek into the world around me – a world that changes quickly and inevitably. It’s acknowledging that things exist – even for a brief amount of time – and that there is beauty in everything.

I think this project needs a soundtrack and Don’t Go by Chris Coleman is my choice. Play it in the background, scroll down slowly, and enjoy this collection.

Years: 2020 – Ongoing

Visual Portfolio, Posts & Image Gallery for WordPress
Freedom is an illusion
There was a camel once
Where is home?
Curvature
Dystopia
Passing by
Masks – I
Sacrifice
Masks – II
Get out of my mind
[There’s] Too much negativity
Self scan
It’s dark, but I have you
Morning in Thar desert
Dystopia – II
Ruins
Aftermath
I miss you
Going in deeper
All your drama