Kyotographie Postcard - Kawada Kikuji

These postcards are works of Japanese photographer, Kawada Kikuji. Born in 1933, Ibaraki Prefecture, his work has been widely exhibited and is held in numerous collections both in Japan and internationally.

No.1 – The Last Cosmology
The Last Cosmology is a photographic series begun in 1969 and developed through to the end of the twentieth century. For Kawada, the period encompassed major transformations in Japan, including the WWII, changes to the Imperial institution, post-war economic recovery, and the economic bubble years.

Including photographs of events such as the twentieth century’s final total solar eclipse, The Last Cosmology explores the relationship between illusion and reality. Through its cosmic imagery, the series reflects both the historical conditions and the collective spirit of an era marked by profound social and cultural change.

No.2 – Los Caprichos
Los Caprichos was first published in 1972 as a serial in Camera Mainichi magazine, and then appeared intermittently in other photography magazines. The series reflects an expansive perspective on ‘this time and this place’, tracing its movement across different times and locations. It has also continued to register the passage of time inscribed in the city, including during the pandemic.

No.3 – Vortex
Vortex is composed of a large body of digital works uploaded by Kawada to his Instagram account. While most of the images are taken in contemporary Tokyo, some works produced and published several decades ago are also included. Through extensive manipulation, resulting in distorted colour and texture and recurring motifs, the series reflects the artist’s perspective on the complexity of the contemporary city.

21ｘ15cm