Hiroshi Watanabe "I See Angels Every Day"

Osaka Nikon Salon

This event has ended.

On a summer's day in July 2001, the photographer visited San Lazaro Psychiatric Hospital. There were many patients, some walking around, some sleeping, others just sitting on their beds. All of a sudden a woman came up and started walking alongside Watanabe. Her eyes were full of excitement and she stayed by his side until he left the main hall of the building, during which time, every five minutes she complained that her teeth were hurting. As Watanabe left, she asked "Do you see angels? Have you ever seen an angel?" and added finally, "I see angels every day."
Roughly one fifth of the hospital building is a church. As well as the doctors and nurses, nuns also play an important role in taking care of the patients. One of the doctors told Watanabe that medicine began as one aspect of the world of religious salvation, and that the church has usually played a large role in helping the psychologically impaired. However, in recent history the importance of science has grown, and the religious aspect of medicine has diminished.
Watanabe was fascinated by the coexistence of science and religion as two sources of help for people afflicted by psychological disorders. When he looks at the photos now, he is reminded of the many conversations he had with the patients while he photographed them. Approximately 40 black and white prints are on display.