Hardcover (cloth bound „look“), textured endpapers with images (silver color) from the series. Design by Katsuya Kato, with texts by Misako Oba, Kotaro Iizawa (Photography critic), Gary Edwards (Gary Edwards Gallery, Washington, DC), edition of 500 copies.

„In folklore, an individual may make a pact with the devil, usually signed with their own blood. The pact involves loss of a part of the individual, often the soul. In Misako Oba’s case, however, it was a loss of her right pinkie. Her pinkie finger began to bleed heavily and spontaneously several times a month without any provocation in 2006. She was diagnosed with A.V.M. (Arterio-Venous Malformation) in her right hand. Goethe’s Faust became a metaphor for her experience in the 21st century. The photograph explores the battle between an angel and a devil in human's heart. It recounts reactions from despair, confusion and fear, accompanied by blood and tears, to defiance, acceptance, a positive spirit and redefined beauty. This book is a visual statement of a true physical, emotional, and spiritual journey that anyone might be called upon to make.  *faustus means “blessed” in Latin.
Misako Oba was born and raised in Japan, has been based in the United States since 2004. Her photographs/artworks are in private, corporate and public collections including a part of national permanent collection in France.  
“I believe that all of her art reflects, to a degree few artists can match, a clear-eyed appraisal of the conditions of her emotions and her soul. Her work is uniquely passionate and engaging.” by Gary Edwards, Gary Edwards Gallery, DC“

Where to buy overview or at photobookstore.co.uk.

Pages: 88
Place: Tokyo
Year: 2014
Publisher: Sokyu-sha
Size: 23 x 28 cm (approx.)

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