Michael Kenna | Selected Works From Japan

It is easy to lose sight of an artist's strongest work when they have been photographing for 50 years, and had such an illustrious career. So how interesting to see Michael Kenna's most celebrated works from Japan together below...

Michael Kenna has travelled the world to create his distinct black and white images of unpopulated landscapes. It was in the 1980s that Kenna first began to visit Japan and became influenced by an Asian sense of aesthetics. In 2002 he started his love affair with the northern island of Hokkaido, where his compositions became increasingly minimalistic and abstract, free from extraneous sensory information.

"I first went to Japan in 1987, for an exhibition of my work in Tokyo. I was absolutely entranced with the place, and have been going back ever since. I often go to Hokkaido in Northern Japan, in the winter. It is such a beautiful place and makes me think of Sumie ink-wash paintings. The whole landscape can be completely white, and the trees and other structures appear almost as ink drawn kanji characters - really gorgeous, it certainly appeals to my sensibilities. I photographed one tree close to Lake Kussharo almost every year between 2002-2009. Unfortunately, it was then cut down. I have similar friendships/relationships with other trees throughout Hokkaido. Japan remains a glorious place for me."  Michael Kenna, 2024

All prices correct as at Wednesday 6th March 2024, and subject to change without notice, as limited editions sell out.