Japanese photographer Shikama Takeshi travels the world to seek the footprints of forests, showcasing the unique platinum palladium prints that capture the serene charm of nature.

Photography Gallery Boogie Woogie Photography collaborates with Hong Kong photography platform “PhotogStory” to present the solo exhibition “Contemplations” by Japanese photographer Takeshi Shikama at The Loft in Wong Chuk Hang. The exhibition will showcase the natural landscapes captured by the photographer during his visits to Japan, France, Scotland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other places, allowing viewers to appreciate the unique charm of nature through platinum palladium prints.

The bond between Takeshi Shimakawa and the forest originated from his days of logging in the forest, where he deeply felt the life energy emanating from the trees. Since then, his sensitivity towards nature has been awakened, and he feels a mysterious attraction towards the natural world, driving him to explore more diverse forests. At the age of 54, he made the decision to fully devote himself to photography, capturing his love for flowers, plants, and trees on black and white film, documenting the beautiful landscapes of various locations.

Takeshi Shimakama travels through the forests of Japan and the national parks of the United States, as well as exploring the urban oases of France and Hong Kong. Whether it’s the natural landscapes or man-made gardens, he is fascinated by them all. When traveling around the world, Takeshi always carries a large format camera equipped with 4×5 inch film, ready to capture the landscapes along the way.

For Takeshi Kamata, both the process of shooting and printing are a form of sedimentation. He uses the elegant platinum-palladium printing technique to expose photos on traditional Japanese “ganpi” paper. This non-acidic, delicate and translucent paper made from natural tree fibers gives the photos a velvety texture. Compared to traditional silver salt printing methods, printing the same negative with platinum or palladium craftsmanship can restore more details and present a richer level of imagery.

This exhibition categorizes its works by region, showcasing a total of 32 pieces from places such as Yosemite National Park in the United States, Japan, France, Scotland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Visitors are encouraged to personally visit the gallery and experience the gentle and tranquil atmosphere that emanates from the photographs.

《Contemplations》
Date: From now until January 20, 2023 (Closed from December 28 to 31)
Time: 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Wednesday to Saturday)
Address: 8th Floor, The Loft, 56-60 Wong Chuk Hang Road

Image source and learn more:   Boogie Woogie Photography