Longchamp to Showcase Thandiwe Muriu's Camo Work at KYOTOGRAPHIE 2026
In a significant move for the Maison Longchamp, renowned for its fusion of authenticity and energy since its establishment in Paris in 1948, the brand will participate in the upcoming KYOTOGRAPHIE Kyoto International Photography Festival in 2026. This event marks the Maison's debut at such a prestigious international art event, showcasing the breathtaking work of Kenyan artist Thandiwe Muriu, specifically her series titled 'Camo'. The exhibition will take place from April 18 to May 17, 2026, at the revered Hondaya Genbei Bamboo Hall in Kyoto, a city that is a sister city to Paris, the birthplace of Longchamp.
The KYOTOGRAPHIE festival celebrates the intersection of traditional savoir-faire and contemporary innovation, making it a fitting venue for Longchamp to express its commitment to creativity and authenticity. The brand's values resonate deeply with the themes of the festival, where artistic exploration is at the forefront.
Longchamp's involvement in KYOTOGRAPHIE follows its recent engagement with the art world, including a curated exhibition on the 'GEOMETRY OF COLOR' showcasing the works of Geneviève Claisse, and participation in the Milan Design Week in April. The Maison's ongoing relationship with Thandiwe, which began in 2025, further strengthens its connection to Kyoto, aiming to stimulate creative curiosity among viewers and inspire new art engagements.
Thandiwe Muriu reflects on her journey, emphasizing that her artwork aims to celebrate empowerment through art, attentive listening to women's voices, and questioning one's identity as a woman. 'More Than Half', a collaborative creative chapter within the KYOTOGRAPHIE African Residency Program, illustrates a world where a sense of belonging arises not from similarity but from existence itself. Each piece conveys a continuous heritage that bridges past, present, and future, capturing women not merely as fragments of diversity but as living embodiments of cultural vitality.
As noted by Longchamp's Creative Director, Sophie Daurontaine, Thandiwe's perspective enriches an ongoing dialogue about modern creativity and heritage. Her presence at KYOTOGRAPHIE personifies the Maison's unwavering commitment to the evolution of creativity rooted in craftsmanship and heritage.
Honoring this collaboration, visitors can also view Thandiwe's works at Longchamp's flagship store, 'Longchamp La Maison Omotesando', during the KYOTOGRAPHIE period.
Thandiwe perceives photography as a means of honoring her cultural roots while provoking questions about the cultural factors that shape identity. Living within a male-dominated structure in Kenya, she continuously confronts questions regarding women's roles in society, the functioning of tradition, and self-perception. This introspective journey inspired the 'Camo' series, where subjects blend into their backgrounds, transforming into a 'canvas of self-reflection'. The series intricately weaves everyday objects with hairstyles inspired by archival photos, embedding hidden meanings within each image. Accompanied by African proverbs, Thandiwe artfully conveys culture and honors generational wisdom through visual representation.
The exhibition details are as follows:
About Thandiwe Muriu: A Kenyan artist exploring themes of identity, connection, and empowerment through her works, Muriu draws inspiration from textiles such as wax prints and East African Kanga fabrics. Her artworks serve to redefine and honor the narratives these fabrics hold. Currently based in Kenya, she has exhibited globally, participating in prominent events like the 60th Venice Biennale and others, while being involved in various residency programs.
About KYOTOGRAPHIE 2026: This esteemed international photography festival takes place in Kyoto, a world-renowned city for culture and artistry. Established in 2013 by co-founders Lucile Raybaud and Yusuke Nakanishi, this year's theme is 'EDGE'. The festival, now in its 14th edition, showcases a mixture of artwork from both emerging and established photographers, complemented by various educational programs and events for all ages, enhancing the public's appreciation of photography and related fields.
About Longchamp: Founded in Paris by Jean Cassegrain in 1948, Longchamp is a Maison blending authenticity and contemporary energy. Recognized for its iconic luxury products, Longchamp has expanded over the decades into travel accessories, handbags, ready-to-wear, eyewear, and footwear while maintaining its rich heritage. The brand emphasizes sustainability and has committed to responsible practices, with future-facing initiatives aimed at preserving its craftsmanship and environmental integrity. Longchamp operates over 400 boutiques in more than 80 countries globally, including flagship stores opened in Omotesando and Ginza, Japan, in recent years.
The KYOTOGRAPHIE festival celebrates the intersection of traditional savoir-faire and contemporary innovation, making it a fitting venue for Longchamp to express its commitment to creativity and authenticity. The brand's values resonate deeply with the themes of the festival, where artistic exploration is at the forefront.
Longchamp's involvement in KYOTOGRAPHIE follows its recent engagement with the art world, including a curated exhibition on the 'GEOMETRY OF COLOR' showcasing the works of Geneviève Claisse, and participation in the Milan Design Week in April. The Maison's ongoing relationship with Thandiwe, which began in 2025, further strengthens its connection to Kyoto, aiming to stimulate creative curiosity among viewers and inspire new art engagements.
Thandiwe Muriu reflects on her journey, emphasizing that her artwork aims to celebrate empowerment through art, attentive listening to women's voices, and questioning one's identity as a woman. 'More Than Half', a collaborative creative chapter within the KYOTOGRAPHIE African Residency Program, illustrates a world where a sense of belonging arises not from similarity but from existence itself. Each piece conveys a continuous heritage that bridges past, present, and future, capturing women not merely as fragments of diversity but as living embodiments of cultural vitality.
As noted by Longchamp's Creative Director, Sophie Daurontaine, Thandiwe's perspective enriches an ongoing dialogue about modern creativity and heritage. Her presence at KYOTOGRAPHIE personifies the Maison's unwavering commitment to the evolution of creativity rooted in craftsmanship and heritage.
Honoring this collaboration, visitors can also view Thandiwe's works at Longchamp's flagship store, 'Longchamp La Maison Omotesando', during the KYOTOGRAPHIE period.
Thandiwe perceives photography as a means of honoring her cultural roots while provoking questions about the cultural factors that shape identity. Living within a male-dominated structure in Kenya, she continuously confronts questions regarding women's roles in society, the functioning of tradition, and self-perception. This introspective journey inspired the 'Camo' series, where subjects blend into their backgrounds, transforming into a 'canvas of self-reflection'. The series intricately weaves everyday objects with hairstyles inspired by archival photos, embedding hidden meanings within each image. Accompanied by African proverbs, Thandiwe artfully conveys culture and honors generational wisdom through visual representation.
The exhibition details are as follows:
- - Dates: April 18 (Sat) - May 17 (Sun), 2026
- - Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (No holidays; last entry 30 minutes before closing)
- - Location: Hondaya Genbei Bamboo Hall (489 Eboshiyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)
About Thandiwe Muriu: A Kenyan artist exploring themes of identity, connection, and empowerment through her works, Muriu draws inspiration from textiles such as wax prints and East African Kanga fabrics. Her artworks serve to redefine and honor the narratives these fabrics hold. Currently based in Kenya, she has exhibited globally, participating in prominent events like the 60th Venice Biennale and others, while being involved in various residency programs.
About KYOTOGRAPHIE 2026: This esteemed international photography festival takes place in Kyoto, a world-renowned city for culture and artistry. Established in 2013 by co-founders Lucile Raybaud and Yusuke Nakanishi, this year's theme is 'EDGE'. The festival, now in its 14th edition, showcases a mixture of artwork from both emerging and established photographers, complemented by various educational programs and events for all ages, enhancing the public's appreciation of photography and related fields.
About Longchamp: Founded in Paris by Jean Cassegrain in 1948, Longchamp is a Maison blending authenticity and contemporary energy. Recognized for its iconic luxury products, Longchamp has expanded over the decades into travel accessories, handbags, ready-to-wear, eyewear, and footwear while maintaining its rich heritage. The brand emphasizes sustainability and has committed to responsible practices, with future-facing initiatives aimed at preserving its craftsmanship and environmental integrity. Longchamp operates over 400 boutiques in more than 80 countries globally, including flagship stores opened in Omotesando and Ginza, Japan, in recent years.
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