Exploring 'Seventeen Portraits of the Sea' by Mikio Hasui at YUGEN Gallery Fukuoka

'Seventeen Portraits of the Sea' at YUGEN Gallery Fukuoka

YUGEN Gallery Fukuoka is set to host the solo exhibition of photographer Mikio Hasui, titled 'Seventeen Portraits of the Sea', running from August 23 to September 15, 2025. This collection features 17 unique seascapes captured at various nuclear power plants across Japan, highlighting the intricate balance between nature and the unseen risks posed by human activities. The exhibition is notable for its poignant exploration of the sea, devoid of any visible signs of human presence such as power plant structures or passing boats —a conscious artistic choice by Hasui.

From late 2023 into 2025, Hasui meticulously traveled to all operating nuclear power plants in Japan, except for the one under construction in Aomori Prefecture, to compile this body of work. Each piece is a scanned image of film photographs where any trace of human interference, including ships, tetrapods, and surfers, has been digitally removed. This process has prompted Hasui to question the very essence of photography itself, leading him to express:

“No matter how advanced our times get, the sea remains beautiful and unchanged. However, it harbors invisible risks that make me feel we’ve crossed a line. It is humanity that creates these risks, and in order to express a fictional world of the sea without people, I was willing to shatter the ideal form of photography.”

This exhibition centers around the theme of 'natural law', a topic Hasui has been devoted to for over three decades. For Hasui, who has long championed straight photography, these 'invisible' images represent a breakthrough, inviting viewers to consider the complex realities hidden beneath the surface of what we perceive.

The ongoing release of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant is set to continue for approximately 30 years, presenting humanity with an enormous long-term challenge regarding nuclear waste. Concurrently, the pursuit of a carbon-neutral society highlights significant energy issues, with nuclear power plants deeply intertwined with local economies.

Hasui's exhibition, 'Seventeen Portraits of the Sea', serves as an exploration of these unseen nuances. It invites viewers to broaden their thoughts through the lens of 'invisibility', ultimately connecting these contemplations to the future. Attendees are encouraged to experience Hasui's ambitious work firsthand.

As part of a special program, an artist talk will take place on the opening day of the exhibition, August 23, allowing guests to delve deeper into Hasui's creative process, his experiences in photography, and his unique perspective on the subject matter.

For further details, please refer to the official gallery website and their social media channels. The gallery warmly invites everyone to participate and explore this vital exhibition.

Exhibition Details

- Title: Seventeen Portraits of the Sea
- Date: August 23 - September 15, 2025
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

(Closing at 5:00 PM on the last day)

- Artist Talk Date: August 23, 2025
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Location: YUGEN Gallery Fukuoka, 2-1-4 Daimyo, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
- Entrance Fee: Free

Related Information

In conjunction with the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to view and purchase Hasui's works online via the YUGEN Gallery official store.

- YUGEN Gallery Online Store

Artist Profile

Mikio Hasui was born in 1955 in Tokyo and was inspired to pursue photography from a young age due to his father's influence as an amateur photographer. After abandoning his studies at Meiji Gakuin University, he apprenticed under art director Takeshi Moriya. In his thirties, he turned to self-taught photography, and after holding his first solo exhibition in 1988, Hasui became recognized for his portrait work in notable magazines. His diverse portfolio spans fashion, documentary, and film production for music videos and commercials. Over the years, Hasui has received several accolades including the Silver Spike at Spikes Asia (2017) and various distinguished awards in advertising. His works are held in prestigious collections, including the National Library of France and the Tokyo University of the Arts. Currently, he operates a photography studio in Nagano and continues his artistic journey between Tokyo and Nagano.

For more on Hasui’s artistic journey, visit his official website: Mikio Hasui.

About YUGEN Gallery

Founded in February 2022, YUGEN Gallery specializes in contemporary Japanese art, operating in Minami Aoyama, Tokyo, and Tenjin, Fukuoka. The gallery seeks to communicate the unique aesthetic concept of ‘YUGEN’, which embodies depth, elegance, and beauty in Japanese artworks. With an aim to introduce emerging contemporary artists from Japan and around the world, the gallery showcases diverse art forms and offers online sales through its bilingual platform.

For further information about YUGEN Gallery, visit: YUGEN Gallery.
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