“Scanning my eyes over the modern metropolis below, I envision the broken nothingness from which it arose, and consider in turn the countless artists all over the world who, through their creations, continue to lend an immortal voice to the “Spirit of Hiroshima.” But perhaps I shouldn’t be so surprised at the towers which now crowd the once empty space. For after all, nature abhors a vacuum — and art a blank canvas.”

Client: Setouchi Reflection Trip, the official travel guide to the Setouchi Region of Japan.

Project Description: Write a travel advertorial with photographs.

A Quote

“Scanning my eyes over the modern metropolis below, I envision the broken nothingness from which it arose, and consider in turn the countless artists all over the world who, through their creations, continue to lend an immortal voice to the “Spirit of Hiroshima.” But perhaps I shouldn’t be so surprised at the towers which now crowd the once empty space. For after all, nature abhors a vacuum — and art a blank canvas.”

The Inside Scoop

This article proved among the more finicky ones for the whole SRT project.

How so?

Well, I went in, shot some pics, and had a lovey chat with their rep. Talked deep about the power of art and the mission of their museum. Developed a rapport, you might say.

Then, after submitting my first draft, we basically got a copy sent back to us slathered in red ink, the gist of which amounted to “we never said this.”

Of course, I actually record my interviews, so I had admissible evidence that they did say that (LOL), but that’s not how one rolls on such projects. So we let them bowdlerize the draft, and then patched up the mess afterward.

I mean, this was advertising, not journalism, so the client is always right.

Even when they’re demonstrably wrong, LOL.

My Favorite Part

Learning about the Hiroshima Art Prize, awarded to artists who promote the “Spirit of Hiroshima” through their work. Way, way cool.

See the results: 
Hiroshima MOCA – Japan’s First Public Museum of Contemporary Art