May 11-July 4
Having grown up in postwar Japan, Ikko Narahara experienced the wave of American culture that overwhelmed cities during and after the Occupation. With this change overshadowing many of the traditions of Japan, it wasn't until he was in Paris in 1965 that Narahara became fascinated by Japanese traditional art. There he saw colorful shunga (erotic picture) paintings, which inspired him to work on the photographic series "Japanesque" (1968-70).
As one of his early works, "Japanesque" explores the circumstances of his country, revisiting his own childhood memories of his family and relatives with scenes of Mount Fuji, katana swords and other aspects of Japanese culture. This exhibition features "Zen," one of the eight sets of images that comprise "Japanesque."
Photo Gallery International; 4-12-32 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Tamachi Stn. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (Sat. till 6 p.m.). Closed Sun., holidays. Free admission. 03-3455-7827; www.pgi.ac