These photographs are humors and fascinating, viewing similarities and differences between two people. Oyako means parent and child in Japanese, which is the title to Bruce Osborn's photo series. He got the concept back in 1982 during an assignment to photograph musicians for a magazine, who were expecting the birth of their first child. This sparked a thought which Bruce finds amusing to compare the difference in lifestyles and fashion between the two generations, ironically they reveal similarities. Due to an overwhelming response, Bruce and his wife, Yoshiko created Oyako Day (fourth Sunday of July), an annual event inviting 100 families to their studio for an all day photo session. These families are carefully selected when they sent a snapshot of their family, with names and occupations, and a brief essay about why they want to participate.Bruce graduated from University of Pacific, majoring in fine art, and he continued to study photography at Art Center College of Design. Bruce and Yoshiko now lives in Tokyo, Japan, where Bruce photographs for famous publications and advertisements, as well as TV commercials and music videos.
Bruce has photographed over 1,500 Oyako. The Oyako photos are currently in exhibition at Kawasaki Art Center until August 21, then at Olympus Gallery Tokyo September 3-9, and Olympus Gallery Osaka September 17-30.
