I attended a language school in New York for a short period from 2004 to 2005. I was a classmate of Akiko, who took the photos for this book. In 2022, I collaborated with Akiko and photographed her on the theme of "Cardboard in New York." This prompted me to think it would be interesting to create an essay book that overlaps my experiences in New York and the United States, and I have been putting it together in time for this exhibition.
This is probably the world's first New York cardboard photo book. Personally, I can sense a lot of drama in it. (Gima Choryu)

The exhibition "SOME POP2", held at the B GALLERY on the 5th floor BEAMS JAPAN (B GALLERY) in 2024, was based on the concept of "distribution" and "consumption". In addition to exhibiting the "POP COLLAGE" series, which is based on imported goods consumed in Okinawa and American culture such as movies, fashion, and music that have influenced the artist, the "POP COLLAGE 3D" series that he has posted on Instagram and a photo book of a cardboard project with New York-based photographer Akiko were also presented through cardboard based on the keyword POP.

■Tomotatsu Gima
Born in Okinawa Prefecture in 1976. Graduated from the Nagoya University of Arts Faculty of Fine Arts. Based in Okinawa, he creates works using cardboard as material. He creates conceptual works based on events related to daily life, and attempts to broaden the viewer's perspective. He has held numerous solo exhibitions, group exhibitions, and collaborations with companies both within and outside the prefecture. He is the representative of the recycled cardboard stationery brand Rubodan.

■Akiko Higuchi
A photographer based in Brooklyn, NY. He began studying photography at LaGuardia Community College in Queens, and after graduating, he worked as an intern for a number of world-famous photographers before going freelance. He has worked on magazines, brands, and advertisements for a variety of clients, and is still active in New York.

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