TITLE: Cocoon

Through the movement and form of the female body, this work explores both its physical presence and the layers of perception projected onto it.
Approaching the nude from a female perspective, the images move away from socially imposed stereotypes and instead reveal a body that holds strength, openness, and inner tension. The body is not presented as an object to be seen, but as a site where visibility and constraint intersect.
This series evokes an invisible yet persistent boundary—reminiscent of the glass ceiling. Fragile, yet difficult to break, it surrounds and defines the body without ever becoming fully visible.
The cocoon, held in the hand, symbolizes both confinement and transformation. It is a shell that protects, restricts, and contains the potential for rupture.
Within these images, the female body exists under pressure, yet quietly resists. It carries within itself the force to break through what contains it.

AUTHOR: Miho Kokuma (Japan)

Graduated from Joshibi University of Art and Design, specializing in Spatial and Form Design.
After working at a photo studio and serving as a full-time research assistant, she is currently a part-time lecturer at Joshibi while working as a freelance artist and photographer.

Her work focuses on portraiture and documentary, exploring the fragility and resilience of human existence, and revealing subtle emotional shifts and quiet strength.

Awards
 •2026 – Honorable Mention, Fine Art (Series), MonoVisions Awards
• 2025 The 73rd Nikkor Photo Contest (Nikon) — Bronze Prize
• 2006 Japan Photo Culture Association “Photo Day” Exhibition — Ladies’ Aw
• 2004 Asahi Super Dry Art Award — Mori Art Museum Director’s Prize

Solo Exhibitions
• 2019 “Koujiya: Layers of Time” — Mie
• 2019 “Reconstruction of Duality” — Tokyo
• 2018 “Fair is foul & foul is fair” — Tokyo
• 2016 “Open Studio” — Paris

Selected Group Exhibitions
• 2026 “Scarf Around the Neck” Presented by TOKYO ANALOG—KICHI,Ebis,japan
• 2026 73rd Nikkor Photo Contest Award-Winning Exhibition, Nikon Plaza Osaka THE GALLERY
• 2025 73rd Nikkor Photo Contest Award-Winning Exhibition, Nikon Plaza Tokyo THE GALLERY
• 2025 “The Art of Loving” — Osaka
• 2024 “The Art of Loving” — Tokyo
• 2023 “Koko ga Chushin, Rōjin to Megane” — Tokyo (curated by Naohisa Ishida)
• 2019 “MAYU (Cocoon)” — Yokohama
• 2016 “Oku no Hosomichi — ‘Photosynthesis’ Project” — Tokyo (Keiichi Tahara)
• 2016 “Joshibi University Assistant Exhibition” — Japan