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Philosopher's Tree by Michael Kenna is a spiritual journey in mindfulness

Michael Kenna is one of today's most important and influential black and white landscape photographers.

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All images courtesy of Michael Kenna and the Blue Lotus Gallery

All images courtesy of Michael Kenna and the Blue Lotus Gallery

Now, a new exhibition at Blue Lotus Gallery in Hong Kong will focus on a subject most dear to the master photographer's heart: trees, coupled with his usual philosophy on slowness.

For forty-five years, Kenna has worked with traditional film and still prefers it to digital. Sometimes his exposure times last many hours. He makes all his own prints in his own darkroom. Good trees grow slowly, and those with strong resilience situated in good conditions can live for thousands of years. Each tree has its own story to tell.

The viewing pleasure of Kenna’s work is likewise connected to a change of pace, close focusing, and a meditation of sorts. Philosopher’s Tree is the story of an artist’s childhood friendship with trees that have culminated in works that demonstrate the beauty of simplicity. One cannot help but wonder if these trees could talk, what would they tell us?

The solo exhibition, Philosopher's Tree by Michael Kenna, will take place at Hong Kong's Blue Lotus Gallery from 15 June until 1 July 2018. For more information, visit bluelotus-gallery.com.

Bare tree branch with dark green leaves clustered at the top, silhouetted against a misty background of leafless branches in Michael Kenna's black and white photograph
Bare tree with exposed roots in a snow-covered field beneath overcast sky, with distant treeline visible on the horizon
A small island of silhouetted pine trees emerges from still water beneath a dramatic cloudy sky in Michael Kenna's black and white landscape photograph
Bare winter trees with intricate branching patterns stand in a snow-covered landscape rendered in black and white by Michael Kenna
Misty mountain peaks emerge from clouds with a solitary tree silhouetted on a rocky outcrop in Michael Kenna's black and white landscape photograph
A gnarled, leafless tree with a twisted trunk and sparse branches reaching upward against a pale sky, photographed by Michael Kenna
Weeping willow tree with delicate drooping branches silhouetted against a misty grey sky, in Michael Kenna's black and white photography style
Solitary tree silhouetted atop a dark rocky pinnacle rising from misty mountainous landscape in black and white
Bare trees reflected in still water beside a curved stone bridge in a misty landscape, captured in black and white by Michael Kenna
A solitary snow-covered tree stands in mist against a cloudy sky in this black and white landscape photograph by Michael Kenna
Misty forest of tall, slender trees with dark trunks fading into dense fog in a black and white photograph
Bare tree with sprawling branches reflected in still water, with misty mountains and a white building visible across the landscape in this black and white photograph
Snow-laden coniferous forest beneath dramatic stormy skies in a black and white landscape photograph
Bare tree with delicate branches stands alone in snow against a pale sky, with distant figures visible on the right horizon
Two solitary trees with delicate foliage stand in shallow water, their reflections visible in Michael Kenna's minimalist black and white landscape photograph
Solitary bare tree standing in still water with misty mountains in the background in Michael Kenna's black and white landscape photograph
Bare weeping willow with dramatic dark trunk silhouetted against misty water and distant shoreline in monochrome
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