Michael Kenna

Huangshan Mountains, Study 31, Anhui, China

Silver halide print, edition of 45.  4/45

20 x 20 cm   Framed

£3,000

To make an enquiry about this work please email robert@realworldconservation.org.uk

Typically of the artist, this image is shot in black and white, accentuating the contrast between the light which floods through cracks in the clouds and the consuming depths of the mountain’s crevices. The image captures the grandeur, beauty and fragility of Huangshan. Michael Kenna’s Huangshan series was created over a period of three years, during which he revisited the mountain range multiple times. His photographs can be regarded as a meditation on the relationship between humans and the natural world.  An increased frequency of forest fires, along with landslides, storm damage and changes to precipitation levels due to climate change may have irreversible consequences for the endemic species living in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Michael Kenna, an acclaimed British photographer known for his ethereal black-and-white landscapes, has earned a global reputation for capturing the natural world in ways that highlight its beauty, serenity, and mystery. Born in 1953 in Widnes, England, Kenna’s early interest in painting led him to study photography at the Banbury School of Art and later at the London College of Printing. His signature photographic style, marked by long exposures and minimalist compositions, is deeply contemplative, evoking an almost spiritual connection to the landscapes he portrays. Kenna’s work stands out for its subtlety, as he focuses not on dramatic vistas but on quiet moments that bring a sense of intimacy with nature.

One of Kenna’s most influential series, *The Rouge*, focused on the abandoned industrial landscapes of the Rouge automobile plant in Detroit. Through these haunting images, he captured the impact of industrialization on the environment, emphasizing both the beauty and the damage of manmade structures within natural surroundings. While Kenna is best known for his serene landscapes in places like Japan, France, and China, *The Rouge* underscored his commitment to environmental consciousness, encouraging viewers to reflect on humanity’s impact on nature.

Kenna’s photography often involves pre-dawn and nocturnal shoots, times when landscapes feel untouched by human presence, as he prefers to photograph scenes devoid of people. This approach fosters a meditative interaction with nature, allowing viewers to connect with the natural world in a pure, untainted form. Kenna’s long exposure technique creates a dreamy, soft-focus effect that smooths out movement, rendering clouds, water, and light in ethereal, almost surreal forms. This technique also slows down the viewer’s experience of the image, inviting deeper contemplation on the interconnectedness of natural elements.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Kenna’s work promotes environmental awareness by bringing attention to threatened and fragile landscapes. His series on Hokkaido, Japan, captures the stark beauty of snow-covered trees and rural landscapes, underscoring the importance of preserving such places. His photographs of remote locations in Mongolia, the American West, and the Scottish Highlands serve as quiet testaments to the need for conservation and environmental protection.

Through exhibitions, publications, and talks, Michael Kenna has become a strong advocate for preserving the world’s natural beauty. His works don’t just document landscapes; they offer a call to appreciate and protect them. Kenna’s photographs, filled with a gentle reverence for nature, inspire a sense of responsibility toward the environment and encourage viewers to cherish the delicate balance that sustains it.