Mono no Aware is a photographic sequence that follows a person waiting for someone in a café. Through small, familiar details such as a red bag on a chair, a dessert being eaten, and the final act of standing up and leaving, the story unfolds quietly. Each image reflects the emotional weight of waiting for something that may never arrive, and the moment when acceptance replaces expectation.
The project explores how ordinary moments, even when they end in disappointment, carry deep emotional significance. It is not only about the ending, but about the traces left behind and what they teach us about moving forward. The title Mono no Aware refers to a Japanese concept that captures the gentle sadness of recognising that everything is temporary, while also finding beauty in that awareness.
The colour red appears as a subtle thread throughout the sequence and stands out against the neutral surroundings. It symbolises longing, emotion, and unspoken tension, elements that remain alive even as the moment fades. In this way, the series reflects on how fleeting experiences can still leave a lasting emotional imprint.
