Ken Domon, PhotographerThe technology for photography is said to have first reached Japan in the Edo era in Nagasaki. And it was in Yokohama, another place that symbolized the opening of the country to the world, where the first photo studio appeared. As the nation progressed from Taisho to Showa eras, domestic cameras started to appear. A lot of camera and related equipment appeared on the market, and many photographic expressions started to appear. Photography, which has become such an integral part of our lives today, is a culture that has grown rapidly in the modern era. One of the giants in that culture who cannot go unmentioned in Japanese history of photography is Ken Domon. |
World’s first museum for an individualThe Ken Domon Museum of Photography opened in October 1983 as the world’s first museum of photography dedicated to an individual. When Domon was designated as Sakata’s first honorary citizen, he offered to donate all of his works to the city. The day we visited the museum, the exhibition ”Domon Museum 30th Anniversary Exhibition — Aesthetics of Ken Domon — The strong and beautiful” was being held. In the exhibit room, large sized prints were displayed. Kazuo Komatsubara, the head of secretariat. showed us around the the museum. ”The series of works in this exhibit are selected around the theme ”Domon Aesthetics” he said. |
”Experiencing works” only possible at the museumThere is actually another feature to note at the museum. The museum building, harmoniously overlooking Mount Chokai was designed by the architect Yoshio Taniguchi. And the garden is by Hiroshi Teshigawara, head of the Sogetsu School of Flower arrangement, and the sculptures and the bench by Isamu Noguchi, both friendsof Domon, who presented them. So the entire museum carries the aesthetics of the artistic heroes of the age. |
ACCESS
- Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Ken Domon Museum of Photography
- 2-13 IImoriyama, Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture
- URL http://www.domonken-kinenkan.jp