Artists: Kawada Kikuji - Iwane Ai

Encounter two of Japan’s most exciting photographers – Kawada Kikuji and Iwane Ai – in a rare opportunity to see their thought-provoking works in the UK.

One of the most celebrated Japanese photographers working today, Kawada has been active for eight decades and is particularly known for his continuous innovation. The exhibition features his seminal 1965 photobook Chizu (The Map), which examines the scars of the postwar period. Kyotographie also explores his fascination with celestial phenomena in The Last Cosmology, and some examples of the most recent work that the 93-year-old regularly posts on social media.

In her first major UK show, Iwane presents her fascinating, award-winning series Kipuka, exploring the lives of Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. She also shares works from the series A New River, which captures eerily lit cherry blossoms at night in Japan’s northeastern Tо̄hoku region during the COVID-19 crisis. These otherworldly images are populated with characters from Japanese folk traditions.

Both photographers have featured in the international photography festival Kyotographie, held every year across Kyoto. This exhibition – the first ever photography show at Japan House London – is organized in partnership with Kyotographie International Photography Festival.

This exhibition is supported by Epson UK Ltd.