SEE WHAT YOU WANT

This work represents the culmination of my years of ocean exploration. Each sea I visited revealed its own unique beauty and the deep affection of local communities. Yet everywhere, I also encountered the same reality: the self-centered behavior of humans and the harmful traces it has left behind. This piece depicts a mother whale entangled in marine debris and her calf swimming toward the light, symbolizing the fragile balance between “destruction” and “hope.” By juxtaposing discarded tires and plastics—the remnants of human convenience—with the vibrant life of corals and fish, I sought to reflect the attitude of those who pursue only what they want to see, while ignoring what truly matters. To overlook the unseen and be captivated only by surface-level beauty—can such images truly be called beautiful? And do photographs created in this way carry any meaning? In creating this work, I carefully composited not only whales and the diver but also their surrounding environment, weaving together multiple layers of narrative. Within this single frame lie many hidden stories. I ask viewers to look closely and to confront the deeper message embedded in the image. The stance of “seeing only what you want to see” is not only someone else’s problem—it is also directed at myself. As a photographer, have I forgotten responsibility, or respect for nature? This question is my self-admonition, but it is also for everyone who sees this work. The human figure could be anyone. It could be you. It could be me. Because we all share the vulnerability of seeking only surface beauty, this image becomes a mirror for all of us. The title “SEE what you want” encapsulates this phenomenon. People choose what they wish to see and turn away from what they would rather ignore. But in that choice—does true beauty exist? Through this work, I invite each viewer to reflect on their own choices for the future.