Introduction:
Michael Kenna is a renowned photographer who captures the delicate and fine features of the light, nature in black and white shots. Born in 1953 in England, he attended London College of Printing in 1976 and St Joseph's College (Lancashire) in 1972. He currently lives in Seattle and travels around in pursuit of photography perfection.
The photographs depict his strong association with nature and light generally shot at dawns or nights and the films exposed to a good 10 hours. The interesting fact that distinguishes Kenna’s work is how he captures the landscapes with such a unique approach every time. Even though his works capture the scenic beauty they are minimalist in the very essence. This is yet another distinctive feature of his work. His works are mostly available in black and white for the very reason that he believes that colours are always prevalent. Black and white adds an element of mystery and are more serene in nature to the viewer. When noticed carefully there is a hint of solitude in most of his works. Maybe Kenna wants the viewer to imagine being in such stunning landscapes or moments alone and enjoy the picture with a whole new vision. It is a well-known fact that Michael Kenna uses traditional photography techniques develops his own prints and does not use much of digital photography. To add on the influence of Kenna’s upbringing in a small town with abandoned factories, bridges and quietude reflects strongly in his works. He has usually used Blad and Holga cameras majorly in his works though there have also been few exceptions. His works have been deeply influenced by Bill Brandt.
Published works:
2016 Wall Calendar – Nazraeli Press
Forms of Japan – Prestel publishing
A Journal Through Asia – Tasveer Arts
Awards: To name few of the laurels garnered by Michael Kenna:
2003 - Honorary Master of Arts, Brooks Institute, Santa Barbara, California, USA
2000 - Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters, Ministry of Culture, France
1996 - Golden Saffron Award, Consuegra, Spain
Photo 1 (New Zealand):
This photograph showcases simplicity at the best. The lone tree signifies the solitude and white background highlights the tree and its intricate features such as each of its branches very definitely. The light background appears extremely natural and subtle making the tree stand out. The viewer can instantly connect to the snap because of its plaintive characteristic and this is also what stands as a hallmark to Kenna’s work.
Photo 2 (France):
This is another breath-taking snap that shows the power of reflection. The monument and the still fountain looks abandoned which strikes strongly to the viewer. The clarity of the image and the light effect takes the viewer right to the original place itself. It connects the moment and the viewer in a very subtle manner which makes it distinctive.
Photo (England):
This photo lets the viewer traverse to the place where the photo was shot. The dark clouds, the faint light and the articulation of the stone structure have been captured with a degree of nearing perfection. It lets the viewer indulge, imagine and re-create an individual space with this snap.
Photo (France):
This simple black and white photo captures the silence in a park with no crowd around. It focuses the monument, the quiet water, trees after autumn and lets the viewer interpret a fresh trail of thoughts. The precise reflection of the trees in the water holds back the gaze of the viewer.
Photo (Japan):
The contrast between the clouds, water and the sounds create an image that will take the viewer to a different place altogether and has a concise black and white effect.
Photo (Japan):
Even though the most convincing factor in this image is the setting itself, the black and white effect makes it more promising. If the same snap is imagined with colours it will not be as appealing as it is right now.
Photo (China):
The beauty of Kenna’s work is that it captures the everyday image in a very subtle way that it builds on the viewer and forms an image that can be easily disposed.
Photo (USA):
The image captures the contradiction of the evening clouds and the tall building making a significant impact to the viewer.
Photo (Poland):
This is from the series named Concentration camp. The named suitcases piled up in black and white snap is haunting and questioning.
Photo (Germany):
Yet another image from Concentration camp series which appears quiet but still is seeking answers from the viewer.
Photo (Italy):
The photo captures the Italian memories rejuvenating the lost times of the holocaust and gives a glimpse of many lost lives to the viewer.
Photo (Italy):
A view of the Eiffel Tower with the effects of the natural light in the backdrop makes this snap interesting.
Photo (France):
The image shows the image of a tool left out in a factory. The dark background and the light shade of the wood and the tool give the snap the much needed contrast.
Photo (Alaska):
A black and white photo cannot get simpler and candid than this one. It’s to the point and strikingly beautiful.
Photo (Egypt):
The dull background in which the pyramid stands tall and the focus on the soil which enhances the same makes this picture unique and portrays the distinctive ideology of the photographer.
Conclusion:
It is definitely understood by now that Michael Kenna has come a long way. He has spent over a decade practising and learning the art of photography from Ruth Bernhard. The journey has not been easy for Kenna but he has continued to perfect himself with every photograph that he has captured and this has only contributed in giving the best of his works to art and the viewers.
References:
Michael Kenna. Web. 21 Feb. 2016.
More requirements:
Questions:
His photography techniques to be discussed?
What are the distinctive features or highlights of Kenna’s photography?
