Works Capturing Hopes for a Peaceful Future

The exhibition "memento: Records for a Peaceful Future" features works captured with the hope for a peaceful future, based on Yamaguchi's belief that "photography is a record."

The exhibition is composed of three themes: "Freeze Flowers," "Land," and "Sanctuary."

The theme "Freeze Flowers" represents living with strength, eagerly awaiting the next season. Yamaguchi states that after the 2011 earthquake, his sense of looking towards the future felt suspended.

However, he was taught that even in such circumstances, humans and diverse life forms strive to live each day to the fullest despite overwhelming anxiety, and he wished not to forget that feeling. Yamaguchi continues to photograph this theme annually.



"Land" focuses on landscapes and cityscapes. Within these, there are elements that seem to transcend human time. He contemplates how to capture and convey the overwhelming presence of "Land."

Yamaguchi expressed, "I want children, in 50 or 100 years, to be able to look at these photographs and confirm that this scenery still exists in the same way."

"Sanctuary" centers on animals. It is rare to witness large animals roaming the earth by their own will and living in nature. In the northern grasslands, during the summer months, pastured horses live together, as if they were wild once more.

He captured the "life" of these animals in a place where human presence is imperceptible.

Regarding this exhibition, Yamaguchi commented, "I am active daily, with the foundation of recording memories. This exhibition presents a trilogy of archives from 2006 to 2018, captured through 4x5 film and digital photography. I hope that by viewing these past 'memories,' you will feel something that leads to a peaceful future. Next year, exhibitions are planned in Belgium, Singapore, South Korea, and Shanghai in 2019. First, I hope you will see it in Yokohama. Thank you."

Kenichi Yamaguchi
Born in Nagano Prefecture in 1975. He provides works for various media, primarily focusing on still life photography. He has received high acclaim for his photography of industrial products, including jewelry. In recent years, he has also engaged in portraiture, photographing "creators" in fields such as music and art. As a long-term project, he travels worldwide to photograph landscapes and the people he encounters.


"memento: Records for a Peaceful Future"
Period | Until January 7, 2019 (Monday)
Opening Hours | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last entry 5:30 PM)
*January 7 (Monday) closes at 3:30 PM
Closed | December 29, 2018 (Saturday) - January 3, 2019 (Thursday)
Venue | Yokohama Civic Art Gallery, 1F Exhibition Room
26-1 Miyazaki-cho, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Admission Free