Visible “An die Freude” is a project that visualizes Beethoven’s Ode to Joy through expressions beyond sound, capturing moments where people connect through joy.
The exhibition features long-exposure photographs of performances by the inclusive choir White Hands Chorus Nippon. Wearing LED gloves, the members “sing” the symphony through hand sign singing—a form of sign language performance that uses the expressive and linguistic power of hands and facial expressions to convey music visually.
Photographer Mariko Tagashira captures these movements with long-exposure photography, transforming them into glowing trails of light. These luminous traces, suspended in time, become a visual language that expresses joy, connection, and human presence—giving Schiller’s message renewed vividness and emotional depth.
Rooted in inclusive art practices, the project challenges conventional boundaries of performance and accessibility.
Developed through workshops, rehearsals, and stage performances, this photo series is both a new interpretation of Beethoven’s symphony and a record of collaborative creation, in which artists from different cultural, linguistic, and physical environments came together in shared respect for Beethoven’s vision. It reflects a global movement that values accessibility, dignity, and the collective act of creation.
