#Japan #Tokyo #YUGEN Gallery #Mikio Hasui #Photography Art

Seventeen Portraits of the Sea: An Exhibition by Mikio Hasui at YUGEN Gallery

Starting on June 7, 2025, YUGEN Gallery, located in Minato, Tokyo, will host a groundbreaking exhibition featuring the works of photographer Mikio Hasui titled "Seventeen Portraits of the Sea." This exhibition will present 17 stunning photographs taken during Hasui's extensive project in which he visited and captured images of nearly all nuclear power plants in Japan, excluding the one under construction in Aomori Prefecture, over the course of 18 months.

Hasui's photographs focus on the sea surrounding these power plants, intentionally leaving the facilities themselves outside the frame. Each piece is a manipulation of images expanding on the human presence at sea, including boats, tetrapods, and surfers, which Hasui has digitally removed. This deliberate choice has ignited conversations around the essence of photography, as Hasui expresses a sense of conflict regarding whether these works can still be considered photographs. He reflects deeply on this experience, stating:

"No matter how much time progresses, the sea remains unchanged and beautiful. However, it carries unseen risks, a threshold that feels increasingly crossed. Humans are the ones responsible for this risk. In breaking the traditional boundaries of photography, I aimed to present a fictional world of the sea devoid of human presence."

This body of work encapsulates Hasui's ongoing exploration of the theme of 'the natural order' over the past three decades. Renowned for his commitment to straight photography, Hasui's venture into the realm of 'invisible' photography marks a significant evolution in his artistic journey and draws considerable attention.

The ongoing release of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant will persist for approximately three decades, presenting humanity with substantial challenges concerning nuclear waste. Concurrently, the quest for a carbon-neutral society presents its own energy dilemmas, intertwining the nuclear industry with community living.

The exhibition "Seventeen Portraits of the Sea" embodies this complex and often invisible reality. It invites viewers to expand their thinking through these 'invisible' photographs, igniting a dialogue about the future. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience Hasui's compelling work up close.

Additionally, a special gallery talk series will commence during the exhibition on select dates: June 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22. Attendees will have the chance to join Hasui as he guides them through the exhibition, sharing insights about the creation of the works, anecdotes from his photography sessions, and his personal perspectives as an artist. This is a rare opportunity to engage with the stories and thoughts behind the artwork.

For those interested in attending the gallery talks, please register through the reservation form available on the gallery website.

For more details about the exhibition, visit the official YUGEN Gallery website at YUGEN Gallery.

Exhibition Details:

• - Title: Seventeen Portraits of the Sea
• - Duration: June 7 (Saturday) - June 23 (Monday), 2025
• - Opening Hours: Weekdays 1 PM - 7 PM; Opening Day, Saturdays, and Holidays 1 PM - 8 PM (Final day closes at 5 PM)
• - Venue: YUGEN Gallery, Minato, Tokyo (3-1-31 KD Minato Aoyama Building 4F)
• - Admission: Free

Stay updated about the artist's presence and further announcements through the gallery's Instagram posts.

Related Works and Purchase Information

Simultaneously with the exhibition launch, visitors can explore and purchase Hasui's works through the YUGEN Gallery's official online store available at YUGEN Gallery Store.

Mikio Hasui: Artist Profile

Mikio Hasui, born in 1955 in Tokyo, began exploring photography at a young age influenced by his amateur photographer father. After dropping out of Meiji Gakuin University, he apprenticed under art director Takeshi Moriya, and later, in his thirties, he self-studied photography, holding his first exhibition in 1988. Since then, Hasui has gained recognition for his portrait work in magazines like Shinchōsha's "03," and diversified his portfolio in fashion and documentary photography, also engaging in video productions.

Hasui has collected numerous accolades, such as the Silver Spike at Spikes Asia (2017) and the Beautiful Japan Award at the APA Awards. His work is housed in institutions like the National Library of France and the Tokyo University of the Arts Gallery. Currently, he operates a photography studio called "Mori no Tonari no Shashin Shitsu" in Nagano, while continuing his creative work in Tokyo. Discover more about Hasui through his official website Mikio Hasui.