Topic: Michael Kenna Exhibition - Banbury UK

[LT]

I managed to catch Michael Kenna's exhibition in Banbury this weekend, and all I can say is ... Incredible. I've always been a huge fan so the opportunity to see his stuff in the flesh was unmissable, even if it involved a 300 mile round trip.

the prints were stuinning - all very small, which I really liked .  All were split-toned with sepia-ish highlights (golden brown) and cool shadows.  I was completely knocked out by the highlight control in his prints - really soft and subtle tones, contrasting with his deep almost totally black shadows.  It was really interesting to see the style develop from his early pictures taken in the Uk - possibly 35mm judging by the grain in the highlights (although this grain in itself was a stunning thing) then the transition into some night shots, then finally the longer exposures for which he is now famous - milk-like seas and insane skies. 

He's not afraid of the Blur too

If you are in the UK and have some spare time before next Saturday -get yourself overthere - it is really worth it (and it's free)


here is a write-up on the Online photographer by Ailsa
 
http://theonlinephotographer.blogspot.com/2007/01/michael-kenna-at-banbury-museum.html   

[CarlRadford]

I also managed to get to the exhibition with John Brewer and can only echo Leon's sentiments. I was not so convinced about the extent of the grain in some of the images though and one or two had quite obvious burning to them. Overall though the work is stnning and the diversion to see the exhibit was well worth it. Seeing prints in the flesh makes looking at them in books pale by comparision - and the quality of the images in his books are pretty spot on.

Carl.