forbidden colors | austrian eyes on japan is a photo project on japanese dance, taking into account its various styles as well as cultural implications. the title is taken from the japanese word kinjiki 禁色 in reference to the first butoh piece which premiered in 1959. the two kanjis of kinjiki stand for 'forbidden' or 'erotic love' and 'color'. the basic thematic element is the clash of opposites such as beauty and ugliness, youth and aging, life and death, double lives and alter-egos.

the whole series is not necessarily all about butoh but the role of dance in japanese culture. however, butoh might be the most radical way of putting societal limitations and restrictions into perspective. all forms of dance reflect a certain angle of japan that I felt interested in exploring.

forbidden colors is a patchwork of impressions, a puzzle of thoughts and visions that I put together out of curiosity and fascination. I had the opportunity to meet amazing artists and collaborate with butoh dancers as well as classical and modern dancers in japan, taiwan, usa, germany and austria. the project gained momentum by meeting japanese artists abroad. I learned about cultural clashes in every day life and how far cultural differences are considered as ample opportunities or personal hardships.

a selection of work is available on analogue fine art paper, dated, signed and numbered. please check here for upcoming exhibitions.