The “Time Tunnel” series places the spotlight on the earliest works of artists who have subsequently risen to the top of their field. Exhibitions probe into the concepts and methods of artistic expression at the source of these artists’ success.

The 30th exhibition in the series features early works by photographer Taishi Hirokawa. During his college days, in the process of editing a movie shot in 8mm film Mr. Hirokawa became captivated by the single frames he ogled under his loupe, and this led to a strong interest in photography. Self-taught, he went on to build a flourishing career as a director of photography in a broad range of fields including fashion, advertising, TV commercials and cinema. Simultaneously, as a creative artist he demonstrates unlimited passion and energy through dynamic fieldwork manifesting his unique stance. Works of this vein include: “sonomama sonomama” (“just as you are”), unusual portraits of rural dwellers whom he dresses in designer outfits; “STILL CRAZY,” photos of Japan’s nuclear power plants treated as scenes in the nation’s contemporary landscape; and “TIMESCAPES: Infinite Tune,” great mountain formations and trajectories of stars to portray the long flow of time. In 2006, Mr. Hirokawa further launched “Gelatin Silver Session,” a project whereby he aggressively works to preserve the culture of film photography and silver halide prints.

“Nothing is ever completed,” Mr. Hirokawa says. “My journey continues.” This exhibition introduces an overview of his ongoing journey with photography in step with the times.