Canon Europe, world-leader in imaging solutions, has strengthened its arts and culture sponsorship portfolio by supporting a pioneering photography project from Japanese photographer, Yoshi Shimizu, to capture and protect some of the world�s most colourful cultural practices.
Using photographic equipment supplied by Canon, Shimizu will travel to some of the world�s most remote locations to observe and record gradually fading elements of cultural heritage, starting with the Indonesian Wayang shadow puppet theatre, an ancient form of story-telling renowned for its elaborate hand-carved puppets and complex musical styles.
Intangible cultural heritage, including historic practices which are not visible such as oral traditions, is the subject of a UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation) convention officially recognising and protecting 90 �Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity�. The undertaking by Yoshi Shimizu to photograph all 90 masterpieces has been officially sanctioned by UNESCO to help raise awareness of the value of intangible heritage and the need to safeguard its future.
Commenting on the project, Yoshi Shimizu said: �It has been my life�s passion to travel the world to document the traditional knowledge of indigenous cultures. Studying and understanding cultures not only strengthens our communication skills but it also widens our personal visions of humanity. With support from Canon and the generous donations provided by my private sponsors, I hope to be able to test the boundaries of artistic expression by visually capturing the intangible and bringing it to life so that we can help protect our cultural heritage for generations to come.�
He continued: �I have been using Canon cameras for several years and recently decided to experiment with digital EOS equipment because of its reputation for combining lightweight design and precision technology � crucial factors that will enable me to produce stunning shots on the first take. Despite having little experience with the digital format, I have complete trust in the creative power of Canon�s technology to help me to visually represent the vibrancy and colour of some of the world�s most fascinating traditions�.
James Leipnik, Chief of Communication and Corporate Relations at Canon Europe said: �We are honoured to be participating in such a worthwhile project. As an established global company, we are a strong supporter of cultural diversity and the vital role it plays in bringing people together and fostering exchange and mutual understanding. Our participation in this project is a tangible reflection of our corporate philosophy of Kyosei � which means living and working together for the common good. Canon is committed to protecting, preserving and celebrating culture, and we strongly support the use of our products to harness the power of the image for such a worthwhile cause.�
Mr Masamichi Kamei of Tokyo, Japan a private sponsor of the Wayang Puppet theatre project commented: �The concept of cultural heritage is well known and widely supported by the public in Japan. However, given the intangible nature of cultural heritage, its preservation and survival depends on raising public awareness. I hope that my contribution to this important image-based project enables people elsewhere in the world to achieve a better understanding of cultural heritage in all its varied forms.�
The images have been donated by Yoshi Shimizu to UNESCO for display at international conferences and exhibitions, and have been archived in the UNESCO Media documentation Centre in Paris. The first exhibition of these images is now open at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), the representative office of the United Nations in Geneva, and will run until the 24th of April 2008. On Tuesday the 15th of April in Geneva, UNOG, UNESCO and the Indonesian Ambassador to the United Nations will jointly host a reception to officially open the exhibition. The reception will feature a live performance by the Wayang shadow puppet theatre troupe.
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