Hiroyuki Takenouchi
SLEEPWALK
Sep 25 － Nov 13, 2026
PGI
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©Hiroyuki Takenouchi
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©Hiroyuki Takenouchi
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©Hiroyuki Takenouchi
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©Hiroyuki Takenouchi
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©Hiroyuki Takenouchi
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©Hiroyuki Takenouchi
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©Hiroyuki Takenouchi
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©Hiroyuki Takenouchi
PGI is pleased to present SLEEPWALK, a new solo exhibition of works by Hiroyuki Takenouchi.
Hiroyuki Takenouchi began his career as a photographer following his graduation from the Department of Photography at Nihon University’s College of Art in 2008. In series such as Liberty City (PGI), Crow (PGI), Things Will Get Better Over Time (Gallery Trax), The Fourth Wall (PGI), Distance and Depth (Studio Staff Only, PGI), and Warp & Woof (PGI), he turns his attention to urban and natural landscapes, everyday life, and his relationships with people close to him, directing our attention toward the social norms and frameworks we have come to accept unconsciously. In his careful depictions, Takenouchi brings to the surface what lies just beneath the everyday – the relationship between ourselves and the world around us, the distance between ourselves and others, and traces of time hidden in the familiar.
For this exhibition, Takenouchi presents a re-selection of images, including recent pictures as well as photographs he has continued to take on a daily basis for many years. Taken at different times and in different places, the photographs nonetheless resonate with one another, form new relationships, and come together as a single composition.
The exhibition’s title, SLEEPWALK, evokes acts performed unconsciously or subconsciously, as if in a trance-like state. Walking aimlessly and photographing without a clearly defined purpose: Takenouchi allows the direction of his work to emerge not only through conscious decisions, but also through the daily accumulation of spontaneous responses and physical sensations.
The process of photography does not end with the act of recording, but continually takes on new meanings as time goes on. By reselecting his past photographs, Takenouchi allows new facets of his work to emerge, their appearance shaped by his perspective at a particular moment.
The exhibition consists of approximately 60 archival pigment prints.
Statement
SLEEPWALK
The process of photography does not end with the act of recording. Over time, the images we select and how we arrange them continue to evolve. This series is a re-selection of photographs taken daily, chosen from my current perspective.
Although the seasons and locations differ, similar subjects recur and compositions repeat. At the same time, some photographs that I had previously dismissed now present themselves as natural choices, revealing that I have changed. Re-selecting photographs is not so much an act of repeating the past as it is one of creating new connections with images beyond my memory, informed by my present self.
Most of the photographs were not taken at pre-selected locations, but at places I chose spontaneously during my walks, depending on the weather and my mood. Some days, I have a vague idea of the images I want to capture. On other days, I go outside simply to think, rather than with the intention of taking photographs. Although the scenes I encounter are a matter of chance, I have chosen the path leading up to each encounter. Whenever I am able to capture what I encountered in these places in a photograph, I feel a sense of certainty that I cannot understand or explain to myself.
Continuing this process shows me the direction in which I am heading.
Hiroyuki Takenouchi
Hiroyuki Takenouchi
Born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1982. Graduated from the Department of Photography, College of Art, Nihon University, in 2008. In the same year, he received an Honorable Mention at the 31st Canon New Cosmos of Photography Awards. In 2009, he received the Special Award at the Shiogama Photo Festival. In 2024, he was a finalist for the YOAKEMAE | New Photography Award.
Selected solo exhibitions; SEASONS, Foil Gallery (2010), Crow, P.G.I. (2015), Things will get better over time, Gallery Trax / Studio Staff Only (2017), The Fourth Wall, PGI (2017), Distance and Depth, Studio Staff Only / PGI (2020), Warp and Woof, PGI (2023).
Photo books; Things will get better over time, FUJITA (2017), The Fourth Wall, T&M Projects (2017), Distance and Depth, FUJITA (2020), Warp and Woof, FUJITA (2023), SLEEPWALK, FUJITA (forthcoming, 2026).