Michael Kenna is a British landscape photographer. This image is from his work in France, specifically from his images of French gardens. It is representative of Kenna’s remarkably skillful use of the photographic medium in black-and-white. In his book, "Le Notre’s Gardens," Professor Haskell writes of Kenna’s work: “Through novel perspectives and unusual juxtapositions, his images convey the elements of surprise at play in these precincts. Wonder inhabits the very recesses of the images; mystery is lurking at their edges.”

Taylor Carr-Howard, Scripps College ’17

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Michael Kenna’s photography has an almost lyrical quality. He captures his subjects in ways that restore the importance of history by reimagining familiar spaces and objects. His compositions can be disorienting and unusual. However, despite the unique—and sometimes quite dramatic—twists, Kenna’s work is calm, never jarring or violent. He does not photograph humans, yet he manages to coax their stories from landscapes, gardens, and inanimate objects. "Coustou’s Horses" recalls the immense wealth and power enjoyed by French royalty, who commissioned the statues.
Laura Woods, SCR ’18

signed, dated and numbered in pencil on recto; signed, dated, numbered and titled in pencil with artist's copyright stamp on verso

gelatin silver print on paper

This object has the following keywords:

• Gardens
• Landscapes

This object is a member of the following portfolios: