YUGEN Gallery to Host Special Talk Event on June 21, 2025

On June 21, 2025, YUGEN Gallery in Minato, Tokyo, will hold a special talk event featuring renowned photographers, Mikio Hasui and Taishi Hirokawa. This dialogue will focus on themes surrounding the unseen aspects of the sea, complementing Hasui's ongoing exhibition titled "Portraits of Seventeen Seas," which runs from June 7 to June 23, 2025.

The exhibition showcases Hasui's unique photographic works capturing the coastal landscapes of 17 locations in Japan where nuclear power plants are situated. While the plants themselves remain out of the frame, the artworks present a compelling view of the ocean’s surface, allowing viewers to reflect on the hidden risks associated with these contemporary landscapes.

Mikio Hasui, a photographer well-regarded for his poetic style, removes the signs of human activity such as ships or people from the images, thus creating fictional depictions of the ocean that evoke deep contemplation on the relationship between nature and civilization. Throughout his career, Hasui has grappled with the inherent contradictions of photography, centering his practice on the essence of photography itself.

Taishi Hirokawa, born in 1950 in Kanagawa, Japan, has also made a significant impact in the world of photography. He has been recognized for his work around nuclear power plants, particularly his acclaimed photo book "STILL CRAZY," which showcases these installations within their landscapes. Hirokawa's global exhibition portfolio speaks to his skill and the universal relevance of his themes.

This upcoming talk between Hasui and Hirokawa promises to delve into fundamental queries about capturing the invisible and responding to the natural world. Their combined expertise and contrasting perspectives will create a vibrant discourse, making it a must-attend for lovers of photography and art.

The talk is set to take place on June 21 at 5 PM, and attendees can reserve their spots for free through the gallery's reservation form, available on their official website: YUGEN Gallery.

Exhibition and Event Details

- Exhibition Title: Portraits of Seventeen Seas
- Duration: June 7 - June 23, 2025
- Opening Hours:

- Weekdays: 1 PM - 7 PM
- Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays: 1 PM - 8 PM
- Last day: Closes at 5 PM (final admission 30 minutes before closing)

- Guest Artists:

- Mikio Hasui
- Taishi Hirokawa

- Admission Fee: Free
- Location: YUGEN Gallery, 3-1-31 Minami Aoyama, KD Minami Aoyama Building 4F, Minato, Tokyo

For more information regarding the exhibition or the event, you can visit the official gallery website or check their social media pages.

YUGEN Gallery, established in February 2022, is dedicated to contemporary Japanese art and aims to make it accessible to a wider audience. With locations in Tokyo and Fukuoka, the gallery showcases a diverse range of artworks and provides an online platform for art purchases, bridging the gap between artists and art lovers worldwide.

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