Since its inception in 2013, Kyotographie has evolved to become a celebrated event that showcases the works of renowned photographers from Japan and around the world. The upcoming Kyotographie 2023, scheduled to commence on April 15 and conclude on May 14, promises to be an exhilarating event with roughly 15 programmes spread across over a dozen captivating venues in Kyoto.
As the sakura season draws to a close, visual arts and photography enthusiasts can look forward to immersing themselves in a diverse range of photographic styles and subjects. Here’s everything we know about the event so far.
Frames and boundaries
In light of Japan’s full reopening, the overarching theme selected for this year’s event is ‘Border’, which feels well timed. But Kyotographie co-founders Lucille Reyboz and Yusuke Nakanishi also want to emphasise all the abstract lines that shape our society and the world around us.
While photography is primarily concerned with capturing elements of the natural world, these documented moments in time can transport us to a surreal, faraway universe that exists beyond our physical realm. This exhibition challenges both the physical and abstract boundaries that define our world, leading us into uncharted territories of the human experience.
Featured programmes
This year’s group of featured photographers and artists is brimming with variety, where every creative’s unique background and style of expression is demonstrably distinct. Cuban artist Mabel Poblet's kaleidoscopic works inspired by elements of sea and water, for instance, are a sharp contrast to the black and white portraits of Japanese photographer Kazuhiko Matsumura, who shines a light on people fighting a silent battle with dementia in his 'Heartstrings' series.
Some works, like Boris Mikhailov's series 'Yesterday's Sandwich', are deliberately ambiguous, with imagery distorted or manipulated to create a juxtaposed ‘Double World’. Others, like César Dezfuli’s ongoing project ‘Passengers’, which focuses on the migrant crisis at the borders of Europe, are unflinching, true-to-life representations of critical current events.
As always, this year’s festival will also feature stories from the annual World Press Photo competition. This year’s World Press Photo programme comprises award-winning photographs taken between 2000 and 2021, that have been selected based on their portrayal of gender inequality, modern feminism and the evolving role of women in our world today.
Additionally, the festival is also venturing into non-photographic installations this year with the help of artists like Spanish ceramist Inma Barrero. Barrero, who has spent over two decades creating three-dimensional works using natural materials and upcycled ceramics, will showcase a large-scale porcelain installation at the Itoyu Machiya Site.
Kyotophonie
In this spirit of exploring new territories, this year’s festival will bring the first-ever edition of Kyotophonie – a music festival organised in conjunction with the photography festival. This will consist of two separate performances scheduled at the Komyo-ji Temple on April 16 and the Kongo Noh Theatre on April 23.
Headliners include Malian singer-songwriter Salif Keita, as well as Paris-based music collective No Format and pianist Kouki Nakano, who was recently invited to perform at the launch of Issey Miyake's 2023 spring/summer collection.
Tickets and venues
This year's festival will span roughly 15 venues, ranging from historical sites like the Nijo-jo Castle and Ryosoku-in Temple, to contemporary galleries like the Kondaya Genbei Chikuin-no-Ma in Nakagyo.
Most of the exhibitions require tickets ranging from ¥800 to ¥1,200 per venue, but a ¥6,000 passport (¥3,000 for students) will grant you entry to all exhibitions. You can purchase the passes online here. Note that there is a ¥500 discount for those who purchase the passport by April 14.
This article was originally published on January 23 2023 and updated on April 6 2023.
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