Untitled (Goma), Untitled (Sacred Fire), Untitled (Torch)
2025
Variable
Black and white digital photographs
In Shugendō, which is a syncretic religion that merges elements of Esoteric Buddhism and Shinto, one of the most important practice periods is the yearly retreat when shugenja gather to undergo austerities on sacred mountains. These photos were taken following the completion of mountain training at Mt. Koshikidake in Higashine, Japan, and during the goma fire ritual conducted in the temple by a famous priest in order to bless those who successfully finished the training period.
These photographs and others from that retreat appear in the following “Absolute Wakefulness” zine: https://freight.cargo.site/m/N2562986106631479374946379341884/Absolute_Wakefulness.pdf