I--- Kingpouge Laika 12 78 Photos Photography By Hiromi Jun 2026

The middle section directly references the historical Laika. Through double exposures, degraded film stock, and staged dioramas, Hiromi shows a mongrel dog in a replica Sputnik capsule, surrounded by faded propaganda posters. Some photos include real archival footage from Soviet newsreels, projected onto the subject’s body. The tone is melancholic, not celebratory. Laika is shown not as a hero but as a forgotten passenger. The “12 78” date might actually be the day Hiromi visited a memorial (real or fabricated).

The photographs in this series appear to be a masterful blend of intimate moments and majestic poses, offering viewers a glimpse into the world of Kingpouge Laika. Hiromi's lens brings out the beauty and character of her subjects, showcasing their unique personalities. i--- Kingpouge Laika 12 78 Photos Photography By Hiromi

: The 2023 release reportedly became one of the best-selling art books of the year in its category. The middle section directly references the historical Laika

The Kingpouge Laika project is often cited as a prime example of Saimon's ability to tell a story through a lens. The series is divided into distinct thematic sections, sometimes highlighted by a selection of 12 "high-quality" images that represent the core essence of the 78-photo journey. The tone is melancholic, not celebratory

Contemplative, utilizing soft golden-hour light to invoke a sense of nostalgia. 3. Formalized Studio Portraiture

: Candid shots in casual clothing that emphasize reliability and the everyday. Exotic and Artistic

The inclusion of the name "Laika" immediately evokes a sense of wanderlust and transient loneliness, referencing the Soviet space dog lost to the cosmos. Hiromi taps into this emotional vein effectively. The collection does not feel like a documentation of a specific event, but rather a drifting journey through liminal spaces. The "78 Photos" mentioned in the title are not merely images; they are breaths. The pacing suggests a "Kingpouge" aesthetic—presumably a stylistic or curatorial choice leaning toward raw, unpolished, perhaps even "trash-culture" or candid street sensibilities.