Ultraconvenience exhibition at Bancho Bar

If you’re in Sydney over November/December, please check out my exhibition Ultraconvenience at Banchō Bar in Haymarket as part of their Curated by Banchō series. This was originally planed for July, but pandemics, lockdowns… you know the story. Many thanks to Banchō and the City of Sydney for the opportunity! Ultraconvenience runs from November 16 - December 23, 2021.

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In Tokyo there is a restaurant that serves only one dish – though specialty stores like this are not uncommon – a piece of fried pork served with cabbage, rice and pickles. Patrons order, enjoy, then vacate their seats swiftly for others who have been waiting in line. In another expeditious exercise, a small standing bar in Ebisu serves wine by the glass for those on their way home, or not, for a maximum miscellany of six.

 Delicately balancing time and speed, train drivers place their white gloved hands on the lever. Trains roll by waiting pedestrians every few minutes, intersecting across a complex network above and below street level. Boxy yet lustrous taxis are omnipresent too.

Along the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto’s springtime, a drinks vending machine is set beside a small shrine through green leaves. Convenience stores are open late, even in small towns, and their shelves create impeccable grids of everything you want to buy. In the aftermath, crushed packets and cans appear more artful than expected. Pieces of fruit for sale are wrapped gently and individually.

While looking to the sky, bars, restaurants, karaoke spaces and more are stacked multiple floors high. Before their neon signs illuminate Shibuya, they form silhouettes as the sun sets.

Originally taken to accompany a travel book, these images are a collection of photographs from Alana’s travels to Japan. However, due to 2020 (and 2021!) the project has been postponed.