Ken Domon "'Scenes of Prayer from the Selected Works of Ken Domon' Shadai Gallery Collection"
Shadai Gallery, Tokyo Institute of Polytechnics
Until Jun 1
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Ken Domon
This exhibition focuses on landscape photographs selected from the Ken Domon Collection, which comprises over 1200 pieces housed in the Shadai Gallery. The featured works are those included in the "Selected Works of Ken Domon" (Sekai Bunka Publishing, 1977).
The design of the "Selected Works of Ken Domon," including its layout and bookbinding, was orchestrated by Yusaku Kamekura. Kamekura, a prominent graphic designer representing Japan, was responsible for creating posters for the Tokyo Olympics (1964) and the Osaka Expo (1970), as well as logos for Nikon and NTT, among others. He and Domon formed a deep bond akin to brothers when they met in their teens, collaborating on numerous projects together.
When commissioned to design this collection, Kamekura structured the first volume, comprising three volumes, with color landscape photographs followed by traditional Japanese elements and Buddhist statues. The second volume includes early works and series like "Children of Chikuho" and "Hiroshima," while the third volume showcases masterpieces such as "Faces" and "Bunraku," concluding with monochrome Buddhist statues and landscapes.
Notably, the collection begins and ends with Domon's confident works, adorned with color and monochrome landscape photographs. In his book, Kamekura praised Domon's photography, stating, "His photographs are powerful. And his photographs are tender," expressing his admiration for Domon's landscapes. Domon himself insisted on thoroughly reviewing and approving everything, including the layout, stating, "I persist in checking everything with my own eyes until I am satisfied. This applies not only to the theme but also to the bookbinding. Especially the layout; if it doesn't match my will, I won't accept it." This suggests that the collection's composition might have been driven by Domon's strong preferences. Consequently, interest in Ken Domon's landscape photography is likely to increase even further.
This exhibition aims not to verify who designed the collection but rather to re-examine the perspective of Ken Domon, a landscape photographer recognized by a leading Japanese designer and who himself felt "tender" toward his landscapes.
It's worth noting that this exhibition is held in conjunction with the Ken Domon Prize organized by the Mainichi Shimbun.
The design of the "Selected Works of Ken Domon," including its layout and bookbinding, was orchestrated by Yusaku Kamekura. Kamekura, a prominent graphic designer representing Japan, was responsible for creating posters for the Tokyo Olympics (1964) and the Osaka Expo (1970), as well as logos for Nikon and NTT, among others. He and Domon formed a deep bond akin to brothers when they met in their teens, collaborating on numerous projects together.
When commissioned to design this collection, Kamekura structured the first volume, comprising three volumes, with color landscape photographs followed by traditional Japanese elements and Buddhist statues. The second volume includes early works and series like "Children of Chikuho" and "Hiroshima," while the third volume showcases masterpieces such as "Faces" and "Bunraku," concluding with monochrome Buddhist statues and landscapes.
Notably, the collection begins and ends with Domon's confident works, adorned with color and monochrome landscape photographs. In his book, Kamekura praised Domon's photography, stating, "His photographs are powerful. And his photographs are tender," expressing his admiration for Domon's landscapes. Domon himself insisted on thoroughly reviewing and approving everything, including the layout, stating, "I persist in checking everything with my own eyes until I am satisfied. This applies not only to the theme but also to the bookbinding. Especially the layout; if it doesn't match my will, I won't accept it." This suggests that the collection's composition might have been driven by Domon's strong preferences. Consequently, interest in Ken Domon's landscape photography is likely to increase even further.
This exhibition aims not to verify who designed the collection but rather to re-examine the perspective of Ken Domon, a landscape photographer recognized by a leading Japanese designer and who himself felt "tender" toward his landscapes.
It's worth noting that this exhibition is held in conjunction with the Ken Domon Prize organized by the Mainichi Shimbun.
Schedule Now in session | Apr 15 (Mon) 2024-Jun 1 (Sat) 2024 13 days left Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Free | ||||
| Venue | Shadai Gallery, Tokyo Institute of Polytechnics | ||||
| Location | 2F 5Bldg. Tokyo Polytechnic University, 2-4-7 Honcho, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164-8678 | ||||
| Access | 7 minute walk from Nakanosakaue Station on the Marunouchi or Toei Oedo line. | ||||
| Phone | 03-3372-1321 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it |
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