The portraits of Jennie by Yasushi Rikitake , specifically associated with the title "108 better," appear to be a fan-curated or niche collection rather than a mainstream commercial release. Based on recent 2026 data, Jennie has focused heavily on personal photography, most notably through her "J2NNI5" exhibition.
While a specific mainstream project titled "108 better" by Rikitake is not widely documented in general press, Yasushi Rikitake is a renowned Japanese photographer known for his intimate, soulful, and technically precise portraiture. A write-up for such a collection would typically highlight the following elements: Artistic Vision & Style
Intimate Realism: Rikitake is celebrated for capturing subjects in vulnerable, quiet moments. A portrait series of Jennie would likely move away from her high-fashion "Human Chanel" persona toward a more raw, "unfiltered" look, similar to the themes of her J2NNI5 exhibition.
Monochromatic Depth: Rikitake often utilizes black-and-white photography to emphasize texture and emotion. In Jennie’s case, this would highlight her iconic "cat eyes" and distinctive facial features without the distraction of stage glam.
The "108" Motif: In Japanese culture, the number 108 is significant (often representing the 108 earthly temptations in Buddhism). A "108 better" series suggests a meticulous selection process—narrowing down hundreds of frames to the 108 most "perfect" or "better" captures that reveal her true essence. Recent Context: Jennie as a Visual Storyteller
Jennie has recently transitioned from being the subject of the lens to a visual storyteller herself. Her 2026 exhibition at YOUTHQUAKE in Seoul featured photos from her 20s, highlighting a "softer, more intimate side". A collaboration with a master like Rikitake would align with this career shift, bridging her global pop icon status with the world of fine art photography. Key Highlights of the Series
Contrast of Personas: The series likely explores the duality between "Jennie Kim" (the individual) and "Jennie" (the global star).
Cinematic Quality: Rikitake’s work often feels like a still from a film, emphasizing mood over simple aesthetic.
Cultural Bridge: Combining a top Japanese photographer with a Korean cultural icon reinforces Jennie’s role as a Global Honorary Tourism Ambassador and a bridge between Asian art scenes.
Since Yasushi Rikitake is best known for his ethereal, long-exposure photographs of dancers in motion (particularly the series Portrait of Jennie inspired by the 1948 film), this write-up treats "108 better" as a philosophical and technical upgrade—referencing the Buddhist bonnō (108 earthly desires/temptations).
1. The Resolution Revelation
Original Rikitake scans are often 800x600 pixels—unusable for wallpapers or prints. Rikitake108 uses AI-driven topology mapping (not simple upscaling) to rebuild the grain structure. The result? A 4K image that looks like it was shot yesterday, but retains the analog soul of a 35mm negative.
2. Why "108 Better"?
The number 108 is sacred in many Eastern traditions—Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism. It represents:
- 108 earthly desires to overcome.
- 108 lies or human delusions.
- 108 beads on a japa mala, each counted to achieve focus.
To make Portraits of Jennie 108 better is not merely to increase quantity or resolution. It is to transmute the photographic act into a meditational performance. Each of the 108 portraits would represent the dissolution of one specific desire: fear, longing, ego, jealousy, attachment to form.
The Muse and the Lens: Why Yasushi Rikitake’s Portraits of Jennie Define Modern Elegance
In the world of fashion photography, there is a distinct difference between taking a picture of a celebrity and capturing a portrait. A picture documents an outfit; a portrait captures a soul.
When Japanese master Yasushi Rikitake points his lens at BLACKPINK’s Jennie, the result is something rare. It is a convergence of minimalist technical precision and enigmatic star power. Among the myriad of editorials Jennie has shot, the collaborative work often titled simply by the artist's name—Yasushi Rikitake 108—stands out as a masterclass in lighting and mood.
Here is why these portraits are widely considered "better" than the standard fashion editorial, and why they continue to resonate with fans and photography purists alike.
The Alchemy of "108": Digital Restoration as Art
The "108" in the keyword is crucial. On platforms like Flickr, DeviantArt, and X (formerly Twitter), rikitake108 is not the original photographer, but the archivist and digital re-masterer. This user takes the original, low-res, damaged scans of Rikitake’s work (specifically a rare 2019 photoshoot with Jennie for Harper’s Bazaar Japan) and runs them through a proprietary workflow.
So, what makes the portraits of jennie by yasushi rikitake108 better than the originals or other fan edits?