Pilgrimage: Michael Kenna & Yasuhiro Ogawa
A Spiritual Journey Through Japan’s Timeless Landscapes

Embark on a contemplative journey with Pilgrimage, a special exhibition that brings together the works of two acclaimed photographers—Michael Kenna (b. United Kingdom, 1953) and Yasuhiro Ogawa (b. Japan, 1968). Together, these two visionary artists explore pilgrimage not only as a physical journey through sacred landscapes but as a deeper, spiritual quest for meaning, memory, and connection,

At the heart of Pilgrimage lies a compelling dialogue between two perspectives: Kenna, the outsider, captivated by Japan’s spiritual essence, and Ogawa, the insider, whose intimate portrayals of everyday life resonate on a deeply emotional level.

Kenna’s photographs, made over more than four decades, are gentle and contemplative—black-and-white meditations on silence, time, and place. In contrast, Ogawa’s are emotive and visceral, rich in texture and tones that emerge from inky shadows, revealing iconic motifs recast through his poetic gaze. Where Kenna drifts in stillness, Ogawa presses into presence. Together, their work unveils two distinct ways of seeing—and feeling—Japan.

This exhibition will be adorned by Japanese antique objects related to the theme.

More than a celebration of two master photographers, Pilgrimage is a tribute to Japan’s cultural and spiritual heritage, inviting viewers to reflect on their own inner journeys, across time, memory, and place.

Michael Kenna’s photography transcends the boundaries of traditional landscape art. His work is a pilgrimage in every sense of the word: a journey to sacred places, an exploration of life’s deeper meaning, and an act of devotion to beauty and simplicity. The exhibition presents his meditative images of Japan’s landscapes, from ancient pilgrimage routes to solitary shrines, and reflects on the artist’s own spiritual quest as he connects with the land, its culture, and its essence.

For over 40 years, Michael Kenna has returned to Japan, drawn to its spiritual and aesthetic traditions. His photographs, often captured in the quiet hours of dawn or night, transform the natural world into places of contemplation and reverence. Many of his images document Japan’s literal pilgrimage routes, including pathways leading to ancient Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, and sacred mountains. These routes, walked for centuries by seekers of enlightenment, are rendered timeless and universal in Kenna’s serene compositions.

But beyond the physical journeys, Kenna’s work embodies a wider sense of pilgrimage—a personal and artistic quest to capture the essence of stillness, beauty, and harmony. His minimalist compositions, with their delicate interplay of light and shadow, invite viewers into a meditative state. They are visual poems that encourage us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the world around us in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Yasuhiro Ogawa: A celebrated Japanese photographer and storyteller, Ogawa’s work is rooted in the beauty of the everyday. His photographs often explore themes of memory, impermanence, and the soul of places and people. Ogawa’s acclaimed photobook The Dreaming reflects his poetic and deeply personal vision, while his book, ‘Into the Silence’ delves into the landscapes and cultural identity of Japan. Ogawa’s images, rich with emotion and introspection, offer a distinct yet complementary perspective to Kenna’s work.

Pilgrimage is more than an exhibition—it is an invitation to pause, reflect, and connect. Whether through Kenna’s serene black-and-white compositions or Ogawa’s evocative and emotional storytelling, this exhibition prEvent Details

Blue Lotus Gallery, 28 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11am–6 pm, free entrance

For media inquiries, high-resolution images, or more information, please contact:

English: Sarah Greene | sarah@bluelotus-gallery.com

Chinese: Bernard Chan | books@bluelotus-gallery.com, Alice Hoi | manager@bluelotus-gallery.com

Collotype Portfolio: Michael Kenna｜Shikoku [Signed]

HK$950.00

Collotype Portfolio: Michael Kenna｜Hokkaido 2020 [Signed]

HK$950.00