When snow is falling, all around us, a cacophony of Christmas tunes is likely to start jingling around our head. In Japan, it’s different. Shin shin is the onomatopoeic phrase describing the soft silence that comes with snowfall. The meditative serenity has been captured by Michael Kenna in pictures on display at a new exhibition. Kenna was born in the UK, is based in the US but has spent decades travelling to and photographing Japan.
The minimalist, clean images were often captured at night or in early morning light, sometimes with long exposures lasting up to 10 hours that he describes as “an oasis, a calm place of rest, a catalyst for imagination”.
Somewhere Only we Know, Wakoto, Hokkaido, Japan. 2002
Flock of Red Crown Cranes, Tsurui, Hokkaido, Japan. 2005
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Alley of Trees, Damyang, Jeollanamdo, South Korea. 2012
Fish Washing Tank, Sunjeongmaeul, Go-Heung Jeollanam-do, South Korea, 2023
Hillside Fence, Study 7, Teshikaga, Hokkaido, Japan. 2004
Michael Kenna: Shin Shin runs at the Print Sales Gallery until 25 January.
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