Leica Camera Japan is honored to announce the upcoming photo exhibition "MONACO Azur" at Leica Gallery Tokyo, featuring the work of Mikiya Takimoto. Mr. Takimoto has made significant contributions across various fields, including advertising photography, television commercials, and cinema photography, with his work being published both in Japan and internationally.
In the serene land of Monaco, the world’s second-smallest country overlooking the Côte d'Azur, Mikiya Takimoto captures a world infused with quiet prayers. Between the deep blue sea and sky, we invite you to immerse yourself in the words and visions expressed through his art, where each piece unfolds a narrative that invites contemplation.
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Images of objects that are small but sparkle like jewels. Subtle, graceful movements captured discreetly and captivating the heart. The nobility of spirit that has enabled human society to evolve over the course of history is on the verge of vanishing, threatened by mankind’s insatiable desires. Tempted by the plethora of options made possible by the latest technology, even art, supposed to express the state of the human soul, is at risk of abandoning the aesthetics and self-mastery it once cultivated. Yet, in this time of shifting values, here is an enduring story – the tale of a country told through thirty-two carefully selected photographs. Places and moments in time that were captured unobtrusively by a photographer with a small camera that fits in the palm of one’s hand. Reflected in these images are Monaco’s past, present and anticipated future. Overlooking the Côte d’Azur lies Monaco, the second smallest country in the world. Mikiya TAKIMOTO released the shutter of his camera in deep reverence, as if in a prayerful state. As I view the images he has created, I wonder: am I the only one who feels that they are a silent admonition to the viewer on how to perceive the world and protect this beautiful planet of ours? Naoko Bernadette OHTA |
Mikiya Takimoto
Photographer Cinematographer / Born in Aichi Prefecture in 1974. Apprenticed to Tamotsu Fujii in '94. Went independent in '98 and founded the Mikiya Takimoto Photograph Office. Active in a wide variety of fields spanning everything from advertising photography, graphic art and editorial work to personal creative endeavors, commercial films, and cinema. Major photo collections include LAND SPACE (’13), SIGHTSEEING (’07), BAUHAUS DESSAU ∴ MIKIYA TAKIMOTO (’05), CROSSOVER (’18). Also began filming movies in ’12. Debut film "Like Father, Like Son / Soshite Chichininaru"( directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda ) won the Jury Award at the 66th Cannes Film Festival’s Competition Category. Received Best Cinematography Award at the 39th Japan Academy Awards for "Our Little Sister" in ’15. "The Third Murder / Sandome no Satsujin" plays In Competition at the 74th Venice International Film Festival. Has also won many other commendations such as Tokyo Art Directors Club ADC Awards, New York ADC Annual Awards Winners GOLD, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity GOLD, ACC Commercial Festival Grand Prize, Asahi Advertising Award Grand Prize, Nikkei Advertising Awards Grand Prize, New York CLIO AWARDS GOLD、and London D&AD Professional Awards YELLOW PENCIL.
Leica Gallery Tokyo
6-4-1 Ginza Chuo-ku
Tokyo,
Japonia