Misako OBA

This is “Blue Fire Flies – Belgium.” Blue Fire Flies series (2002-2005) is the second stage of my black and white gelatin silver photographic series The Journey of Life El Camino-Beyond the Tunnel series in Journey of Life and Light.

My photography never just be scenery but reflects the concept and soul. Something more than what’s visible, Something more within. I took these photos at a flower carpet festival in Brussels. With black and white film. With a long exposure with tripod. Slow process, reflecting thoughts and feelings.

In these photos, you can see many people as small figures flocked there. If you are part of such a festival, you can experience the excitement. At the same time, you could sense that loneliness, deep inside the heart, cannot be avoided. Somehow I always find myself lonely in a crowd, no matter if friends or family are with me. Human nature carries loneliness within itself. And, I depict this by photographing the lights, which stand for those souls, spirits, and even hope!

This series contains 10 images Blue Fire Flies #1 to #10. With traditional chemical process in my darkroom in New York City back then, I created archival gelatin silver prints (black and white films and the prints) and uniquely hand-blue-toned with chemicals from France and the United States – Sometimes mixed them together to get the blue color I wanted. I tried multiple brands of photographic fiber paper to print on. It was like I was obsessed with blue (in 2005). I was in the darkroom for hours and for days to achieve my blues.

*Four fine art blue-toned gelatin silver prints Blue Fire Flies #3, #6, #9, and #10 are on View at W83 gallery (150 West 83rd, New York, NY), from May2 through June 8, 2025. (Ended!! Thank you! )

In addition to some vintage blue-toned gelatin silver, C- prints and pigment prints are available at some sizes. Please inquire from the Contact.

There is also a limited edition large scale plexiglass mounted version.

All are very few of the limited edition prints or unique print. The large scale work above photo #6 was sold and not available. As of August 2025, of only #3 (archival Lambda print) 40×30 inch (=101.5cmx76cm) is available. We will ship from the East Coast in the United States. Feel free to contact the gallery, send me an email, or Contact us.

Installation view and snap shots are from the exhibition at galleries and the prestigious AIPAD photography show in NY and Salon d’Automne in Paris.