The SEPIA International/The Alkazi Collection is a gallery located on the east side of the New York neighborhood of Chelsea. This gallery mainly exhibits Asian photography, photographs of Asia and photographers from Asia, as well as some established photographers from America. Since its opening in 1999, many international travelers have come into to the city for the various exhibitions and have stayed at the best New York City hotel of their choice in the neighborhood. This month an exhibit opened featuring the works of Koichiro Kurita. Entitled “Perceiving” this series invites one to enter into a dialogue, meditative and serene, between nature and one’s self. The exhibit will close in 34 days, so there is still plenty of time to make arrangements to see these incredible photographs.
Kurita’s photographs are panoramic views, as the shots were taken in sequence and then arranged in a single panel made up of the many photographs. They are high resolution landscapes that are printed on Gampi vellum, hand made in Japan. There will also be some previous work included in the show, also of landscapes. While the bustling city just outside the door of the gallery may seem chaotic and messy, Kurita’s photos are still and quiet. They are pristine and subtle landscapes with a few irregularities, enough to add drama and to bring forth questions about the relationships that humans have with the natural world. Kurita has focused on the simple landscapes for more than ten years. And due to the fact that he prints them on rice paper, he is able to create a range in tones that has been considered impossible to accomplish.
Paul Strand, a photographer during the beginning of the 1900′s stated that one must have true respect for their subject matter, which is then to be translated through the taking of photos. However, he states that the human hand is incapable of capturing the infinite range of value that exists in the ‘real world’. This is not so for Kurita, as though he does follow the traditions of Edward Weston and Paul Strand, his photographs are works of subtle lyricism. Kurita is originally from Japan, and has been living in New York for thirty years. Most of the photos he shoots are of the city of Manhattan, made more beautiful by the aesthetics that are so intertwined with Japanese art forms. This show will close at the end of June and is a must see for anyone living or visiting the city.
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