“The Spirit of Asia” is a new photo exhibit in the DVC library showcasing the photos and artifacts that have been taken and collected over the years by Professor Tadashi Tsuchida of Skyline College in San Bruno and Professor Katrina Keating of Diablo Valley College.

Since the two have been traveling in 2004, mainly to Southeast Asia according to their website, they have accumulated over thousands of pictures, in which they decided to share a few of their captured moments to the public.

This exhibit featured a collection of photographs and artifacts from the Northwestern highlands of Vietnam.

However, with all these photos, Tsuchida said that it wasn’t until the early 2000’s that he bought another camera and delved more into photography, in which Keating [his wife] followed soon after. He said that he began with nature photography but transitioned to photographing their travels and the people they have met.

Still, the photos had elements of nature as well as candid portraiture of the people they have met during their travels, conveying the sense of a story behind the lens.

Also, the fact that Tsuchida and Keating had different styles of taking photography, there was diversity mixed into the exhibition.

“He does more portraiture and I kind of tend to do more up close. Sometimes it’s a little similar. I copy sometimes but mine are better (sometimes),” says Keating.

Spending several weeks in Asia, the couple were able to establish relationships with the subjects of their photos. They remain in touch. When asked if they can still connect to the photos they have taken, Tsuchida said, “We’ve gotten to see so many amazing places and see different ways of life and also just meet some really amazing people, and so that’s part of the pleasure, being able to relive those things.”

20-year-old Biology/Psychology major, Shayan Abarghooie says, “It made the view of the library more beautiful. Sometimes you can get to know about the cultures even from the pictures.”

Overall, the reception had a good turnout. 22-year-old English literature Toni Vargas was pleasantly surprised about the turn out for the event. He said, “It’s cool that walking into the library you can see all of it. It’s interesting that people are coming to the reception because kinds of local art can get forgotten and pushed aside in all the noise. I appreciate seeing people who appreciate art.”

Friends of Tsuchida and Keating came in support and the students were seen making their way through the collection of photos and artifacts. What is that the artists want people to take away from the exhibit? “I would just say travel, and travel out of your comfort zone.” Keating said,  “Traveling in the developing worlds and traveling where the cultures are completely foreign is more.”

The Art of Asia exhibit will continue until October 22 in the DVC library.