Ookini Sei Shun (Goodbye blue spring)

Ookini Sei Shun (Goodbye blue spring) – by Coco Capitán is a poignant visual and reflective journey that says goodbye and thank you to the fleeting yet formative years of youth. Set against the cultural backdrop of Kyoto, the work blends photography with introspection, capturing the spirit of adolescence through intimate portraits of young people, from school musicians and skateboarders to monks and Maiko. Through her lens, Capitán explores the universal teenage desire for belonging, highlighting the tension between individuality and the uniformity found in collective activities. The book draws on the emotional depth of these encounters, illustrating how the rituals and routines of youth reflect broader questions of identity and transformation. Spending three months in Kyoto as part of the Kyotographie Festival residency, Capitán beautifully captures the essence of adolescence—a golden moment filled with promise that we can only fully appreciate in hindsight. Ookini Sei Shun invites readers to share in these personal and cultural exchanges, offering a heartfelt farewell to the tender and unrepeatable time of youth.