Yutaka Takanashi @ Fondation HCB – Paris

Yukata Takanashi has always photographed Tokyo and many other cities from far away, very far away; but still managing to penetrate the uncorrupted parts of Japan, all those places where the money didn’t took over.

For the first time in France, one of the big names of XXth century Japanese photography will be exhibited @ the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson until late July, a great opportunity to admire once-again this particular Asian country.

The first floor hosts the Toshie-e series (towards the city). 50 photographs in B&W taken between 1965 and the early 70s, a time of rebellion and social dissatisfaction, a time when Takanashi belonged to the Provoked Magazine collective and when he started forging his personal and distant style. He wanted to raise concern of the American consumerism entering the Japanese society.

And moving up to the second floor we’ll find his color photographic series: Machi (the city) and Golden-Gai Bars. 35 photographs about the traditional and popular Tokyo. The ancient neighborhoods of the Japanese capital, where contemporary and savage urbanization haven’t arrived yet. A great delight for your eyes if intrigued by the interiors of their houses and artisan’s shops, and also a great contrast with the previous b&w dehumanized Toshi-e series.

Barely 2,5 months left  to enjoy to always exotic and mysterious nippon subculture, one must-visit exhibition for this rather grey Parisian spring we’re living. More info this way.