I have been creating works on the theme of “family.” Although the word “diversity” is often heard in the Japanese media, the current situation in which the family form consisting of a father, mother, and children is perceived as “correct” and “normative” has not changed. On the contrary, discriminatory remarks against sexual minorities by Japanese politicians have not stopped. I have been working on Living with my imaginary wife and little girl in order to express some kind of critical message about this situation in Japan through my work.

Living with my imaginary wife and little girl is a self-portrait work in which I set up a family reunion scene that could be seen in a TV drama or movie, and photographed myself and my invisible family members dressed as fathers. By playing the role of a normative family member, the work conveys a critical message to the old values that still exist in Japan, such as “It is natural for wives to do housework and childcare at home,” and “Girls play with pink toys, not blue ones.”

• In this body of mine