Lesley A. Martin | Pauline Vermare - Episode 84

This episode explores the underrepresentation of Japanese women photographers in the history of photography and the creation of the book "I Am So Happy You Are Here," a comprehensive collection of their work. Against the backdrop of a historical oversight, the co-editors, Lesley Martin and Pauline Vermare, discuss their motivations for creating this project, highlighting the lack of female perspectives in established narratives of Japanese photography. More significantly, the conversation delves into the challenges faced in balancing academic rigor with accessibility, ensuring the book appeals to both specialists and a wider audience. For instance, the editors recount an anecdote about a cancelled exhibition in the 1980s where male photographers threatened to withdraw if women were included, illustrating the obstacles faced. The discussion also touches upon the collaborative process of working with the featured photographers, emphasizing their agency in selecting their own images and narratives. Ultimately, "I Am So Happy You Are Here" serves as a powerful corrective to historical biases, offering a richer, more inclusive understanding of Japanese photography and culture.