Ken Domon: the exhibition on the master of Japanese realism at the House of Culture of Japan, our photos

Notice to lovers of realistic pictures! This spring and summer, the Maison de la Culture du Japon in Paris offers us a beautiful journey to discover the work of Ken Domon (1909-1990). Simply entitled " Ken Domon, the master of Japanese realism ", this free exhibition is the first in France dedicated to this great photographer born in Sakata and considered as one of the most famous Japanese photographers of the 20th century.

To be seen from April 26 to July 13, 2023, this installation unveils a hundred pictures, taken between the 1930s and 1970s. It is an opportunity to discover the full range of Ken Domon 's work, from his approach to photojournalism at the beginning of his career to his touching account of Hiroshima, including his striking portraits of street children and celebrities, not to mention his fascination with ancient temples and Buddhist sculpture.

For this first major Parisian exhibition devoted to Ken Domon, the Maison de la Culture du Japon has chosen to exhibit photographs from several reports, namely those from his two moving series on " Hiroshima " (1958) and " Children of Chikuhô " (1960). While the former deals with the living and not the dead, the latter bears witness to the poverty in the mining villages of southern Japan.

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This first large-scale installation dedicated to Ken Domon also unveils the series " Portraits ", where we discover the faces of personalities from various backgrounds (Mishima, Tanizaki, Foujita, Tarô Okamoto, Yûsaku Kamekura, Yasujirô Ozu, Toshirô Mifune....).

Finally, the Maison de la Culture du Japon is exhibiting the series " Pilgrimage to Ancient Temples ", the longest series produced by the photographer. In love with these sacred places, Ken Domon immortalized them during his multiple trips throughout the country, from 1939 until his death. These very aesthetic pictures, in black & white but also in color, are considered as the most personal of the artist.

To admire these beautiful photographs and dive into the History of Japan thanks to the realistic pictures of Ken Domon, don't miss this free exhibition at the Maison de la Culture du Japon in Paris.