In an era of digital photography, Ichiro Omoto, with his keen aesthetic sensibility, has spent seven years documenting the most touching cultural impressions of Kyoto’s hanamachi using photography.
Exhibition Period: April 18 – May 4, 2025
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 19, 14:30-17:00
Special Programs: To provide audiences with a deeper appreciation of Kyoto’s traditional arts, we have arranged two Saturday mini concerts, presented by soprano Kuniko Omoto
April 19, 15:00: “Classical Resonance” Performs French and German art songs
April 26, 15:00: “Animated Poetry” A special performance of beloved Studio Ghibli theme songs
Exhibition Design: To create an optimal viewing experience, the exhibition space is thoughtfully arranged in a clockwise flow through four thematic zones, guiding visitors on a progressive journey into the elegant world of Kyoto’s hanamachi:
Zone One: “The World of Geiko and Maiko” Chronicles the transformation from apprentice to full-fledged geiko through intimate portraiture. These carefully selected photographs reveal the subtle evolution of their presence and artistry, offering insight into this unique cultural heritage system.
Zone Two: “Four Seasons of Kyoto” Arranged chronologically through the seasons, from spring cherry blossoms to summer festivals, autumn foliage, and winter snow. Each photograph is accompanied by location notes and seasonal context, demonstrating the intimate connection between Kyoto’s hanamachi and the city’s rhythms.
Zone Three: “The Legacy of Dance” Focuses on the artistry of traditional performance, capturing the grace of movement and subtle expressions in classical dance. The images trace the journey from practice to performance, revealing the artists’ dedication to their craft.
Zone Four: “The Art of Craftsmanship” Celebrates the exquisite details of traditional crafts – from kimono to kanzashi (hair ornaments). Through macro photography, this section pays tribute to the artisans whose skills support and sustain hanamachi culture.
Each zone features carefully controlled lighting and appropriate spacing between works, allowing visitors to appreciate both the individual photographs and their collective narrative.
This is not merely a photography exhibition but a cultural journey through time.
About Artist｜Ichiro OMOTO (1962)
Ichiro Nomoto was born in Osaka in 1962. He studied under Masahiro Hirose and Shigeo Yamaoka. He is a member of Canon Photo Club Hyogo Nature Division, Kobe Newspaper Akashi Photography Federation, and Ashiya Photography Association. His primary focus is on landscape, portrait, and wildlife photography. Recently, he has been exploring contemporary photographic works.
Exhibition:
- Annual exhibitions at Canon Photo Club Hyogo Nature (2015-2024)
- Annual exhibitions at Kobe Newspaper Akashi Photography Federation (2018-2024)
- Japan Professional Photographers Society Exhibition (2022, 2023)
- Ashiya Photography Exhibition (2023, 2024)
- Ashiya Photography Association Paris Select Exhibition (2024)
- Ashiya Photography Association Łódź, Poland Select Exhibition (2024)
- Ashiya Photography Association Three Nations Exhibition (2024)
Awards and Recognition:
- Special Selection Award, Maiko and Autumn Leaves Photo Contest by Kyoto Prefecture Photo Materials Trade Association (2017)
- Selected Work, Kyoto Maiko Grand Photo Contest (2019)
- Selected Work, Nippon Camera Photo Contest (August 2019)
- Special Selection Award, Nippon Camera Photo Contest (September 2019)
- Special Selection Award, Nippon Camera Photo Contest (November 2019)
- Selected Work, Japan Professional Photographers Society Open Exhibition (2022)
- Grand Prize, Kobe Newspaper Akashi Photography Federation Photo Contest (2022)
- Encouragement Award, Japan Professional Photographers Society Open Exhibition (2023)
- Grand Prize, Kobe Newspaper Akashi Photography Federation Photo Contest (2023)
- Honorable Mention, Ashiya Photography Exhibition (2023)
- Selected Work, ONYX2024 Romania (2024)
- Selected Work, Ashiya Photography Exhibition (2024)
Ichiro OMOTO: Maiko and Geiko in Kyoto
Date｜2025.04.18 – 2025.05.04 11:00-19:00
Opening & Artist Talks｜2025.04.19 (六) 14:30-17:00
Mini Concert｜Vocal : Kuniko Omoto
04.19 (六) 15:00 French and German classic songs
04.26 (六) Japanese Ghibli’s songs
Venue｜1839 Contemporary Gallery (specializing in photographic art gallery). What’s 1839? It mean the invention of photography in 1839)
Address: B1, No. 120, Yanji Street, Da’an District, Taipei City