William Johnston, professor of East Asian Studies, is a thief. Worse yet, he has stolen from Zen Buddhists, people who some might argue are among the kindest, most peaceful individuals in the world. The stolen goods, in the form of simple, stunning photographs, are currently on display in the Mansfield Freeman Center gallery. The title of the exhibit “Zen Pilgrimage of a Photo Thief,” refers to the process of taking a photograph and making that memory one’s own. Johnston, in collaboration with curator and Professor of Anthrolopology Patrick Dowdey and local photographers, has made it possible for the Wesleyan community to explore an intriguing culture and history through the contemplative black and white images.

The 32 photos range from a casual picture of three Zen priests to breathtaking vistas. Many photos hint at untold stories. Rather than capturing views that have long been synonymous with Japan, such as Mount Fuji, Johnston provides a look at sights that are usually not appreciated by visitors. The images, Johnston hopes, will spark interest in students who would not likely be motivated to find out more about Japan and Zen Buddhism.

“Just seeing something different, rather than American, makes [viewing the pictures] worth it. East Asia has a lot to offer,” said Elena Won ’06.

The title of Johnston’s exhibit is rich in meaning for him. As an American man in Japan, he received acceptance and respect from the Japanese but still felt like an outsider. His experience as a foreigner lends insight into why one might see photography as a form of stealing.

“Whatever a transgressor is given, he turns and gives back,” Johnston said, explaining the title and his experience with Zen ideology.

The opening reception for the exhibit attracted a considerable amount of people to the Mansfield gallery.

“This is a great turnout,” Dowdey said. “[The exhibit] took a year’s planning and development. It’s a real Wesleyan kind of project.”

The revered Suzuki Seido, a close friend of Johnston’s, came all the way from Japan to visit Middletown and the exhibit. He appears in one of Johnston’s photographs holding a fan which, translated, reads “The mountain rises high, water flows long.”

Although his picture is included in the exhibit, Seido remained impartial.

“[I have] no favorites! I like everything,” Seido said.

Many of the photographs in Johnston’s exhibit are of panoramas and temples that are not the main attraction in the average tourist guidebook. For this reason, Johnston is especially excited to reveal these images to the University.

“If for no other reason, students who would not normally be interested in Japan or Zen Buddhism should view these pictures for the sake of curiosity,” Johnston said.

To cite an example of how a student’s curiosity might unveil a new perspective, Johnston related the story behind one picture, “Beggar’s Hats and Staff.”

“[A person] could look at this and think, ‘What are these? What do they signify?’,” Johnston said. “[Discovering] the meaning behind the photographs is important.”

The exhibition will be running until Friday, Dec. 10, at the Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies. Admission is free.