In his latest visual journey, Tokyo-based photographer Shengzhe unveils “Laurel and Shadow — 月桂と影”, a stunning photo series that bridges worlds both distant and intertwined.
“This is my first time creating a series themed around ancient Greece,” Shengzhe explains. “Unlike my previous works, where I combined the faces of Asian men with Greek sculptures, this time I have imagined an entire Greek story and atmosphere, attempting to approach Greece more closely.”
Styled by Shun Watanabe, the series captures a dialogue between classical mythology and modern Eastern sensibility. Through muted tones, sculptural poses, and a delicate play of light and shadow, Shengzhe constructs a dreamscape where myth is reborn in contemporary Tokyo.
The photographer reflects, “As an Asian, no matter how much research I do or how carefully I align with antiquity, there will always be a difference from authentic Greece — and it is precisely this difference that defines my uniqueness.”
In Laurel and Shadow, that uniqueness radiates in every frame — timeless yet current, ethereal yet grounded.
As Shengzhe continues to explore the aesthetic and emotional tension between East and West, he invites us to experience his ongoing vision of “Greece Reimagined from the East.”
Photography： @shengzhe__
Stylist： @shun_watanabe
Make up： @katherineeeejin
Hair：@_nari.riah_
Lighting： @intotimeless
Models： @benjamin_dayo @jay_747_inst @shawnre0
Photographer Assistant: @jasperlee451
Lighting Assistant: @nkenngoi
