In the tradition of the `New Topographics´photographers, Shibata is photographing the encounter between nature and encroaching cvilization. Man`s bold constructs are commonplace along Japan`s mountains interior roads, but Shibta imbues them with an aura of grandeur, such that they might be sites for pilgrimage like other rare, national treasures constructed with great skill and daring. (Extract from an introduction by Ann W. Tucker)