The exhibition, *I’m So Happy You Are Here*, presents an extraordinary exploration of the contributions made by Japanese women photographers from the 1950s to the present day. Hosted at the Palais de l’Archevêché, this exhibition offers a significant reexamination of the role these artists have played in shaping both Japanese photography and the broader global photographic landscape.
Featuring over twenty-five artists from various generations, including both renowned figures and lesser-known innovators, this exhibition provides a diverse and compelling view of Japanese women’s impact on photography. The works on display encompass a wide range of mediums, including key photographic images, installations, video works, and photobooks. These pieces collectively offer profound insights into how these artists have engaged with and responded to their personal experiences and the societal transformations within Japan.
*I’m So Happy You Are Here* serves as a critical addition to the narrative of Japanese photography, providing an essential counterpoint to established historical perspectives. The exhibition emphasizes the importance of photography as a means of self-representation and expression, highlighting the unique and powerful perspectives brought by these women artists.
Curated by Lesley A. Martin, Takeuchi Mariko, and Pauline Vermare, the exhibition is organized by Aperture in collaboration with the Rencontres d’Arles. This event is supported by Kering | Women In Motion and the Foundation franco-japonaise Sasakawa.
The artists featured in the exhibition are: Hara Mikiko (1967), Hiromix (1976), Ishikawa Mao (1953), Ishiuchi Miyako (1947), Katayama Mari (1987), Kawauchi Rinko (1972), Komatsu Hiroko (1969), Kon Michiko (1955), Nagashima Yurie (1973), Narahashi Asako (1959), Ninagawa Mika (1972), Nishimura Tamiko (1948), Noguchi Rika (1971), Nomura Sakiko (1967), Okabe Momo (1981), Okanoue Toshiko (1928), Onodera Yuki (1962), Sawada Tomoko (1977), Shiga Lieko (1980), Sugiura Kunié (1942), Tawada Yuki (1978), Tokiwa Toyoko (1930-2019), Ushioda Tokuko (1940), Watanabe Hitomi (1939), Yamazawa Eiko (1899-1995), and Yanagi Miwa (1967).

Accompanying the exhibition are two significant publications: *I’m So Happy You Are Here: Japanese Women Photographers from the 1950s to Now* (Aperture, 2024) and **Femmes photographes japonaises, des années 1950 à nos jours** (Éditions Textuel, 2024).
For ticketing and further details, please refer to the official website. This landmark exhibition invites all to engage with and reflect on the diverse contributions of Japanese women to the medium of photography.

I’m So Happy You Are Here: Japanese Women Photographers from the 1950s to Now
Palais de l’Archevêché
July 1 – September 29, 2024
Les Rencontres de la Photographie – Arles – France