Charlotte Dumas - Work horse
In November 2014, Charlotte Dumas began a project to photograph eight breeds of Japan’s native horses. Once essential for agriculture and transportation, these native horses lost their roles due to the rise of mechanization, and their populations have declined. Currently, they mainly inhabit small islands and rarely leave their local areas, which makes their future uncertain.
Dumas’ project focuses on horses living on Yonaguni Island, Miyako Island, Nagano, and Hokkaido, capturing images of these native horses that have become symbols of their respective regions. On Yonaguni Island, for instance, the Yonaguni horse is so deeply embedded in the local culture that it appears on manhole covers, alongside the world’s largest moth and marlins. Each native breed reflects the history of its land and tells the stories of the people who live alongside it, serving as part of the region’s cultural heritage.
This book records Dumas’ project, presenting images of the horses she encountered across various parts of Japan.
Publication Details
Publisher: The Ice Plant
Language: English
Dimensions: 18 x 27 cm
Pages: 46, Hardcover