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Kazuo Kitai
Hikata, Chiba

1991

About the Item

Kazuo Kitai’s photograph titled "Hikata, Chiba" exemplifies his signature style of capturing the quiet beauty and understated essence of rural Japan. This work is part of his broader exploration of Japan's countryside, a recurring theme in his oeuvre, where he focuses on the lives, landscapes, and traditions of communities undergoing transformation amidst the rapid urbanization of the post-war period. The image showcases a natural, agricultural scene, reflecting Kitai’s deep respect and affinity for rural environments. In "Hikata, Chiba," Kitai captures the intricate textures of a cucumber plant, including its spines, leaves, and tendrils, in sharp detail. The composition draws attention to the organic geometry of the plant, symbolizing growth, resilience, and the timeless rhythm of agrarian life. As with most of Kitai's works, the black-and-white format accentuates the textural details and tonal gradations, creating a timeless and meditative quality. This approach removes the distractions of color and invites viewers to focus on the forms, shadows, and subtle interplay of light. Kitai's framing of "Hikata, Chiba" is straightforward and unembellished, consistent with his documentary approach. It seeks to observe rather than idealize, presenting rural life with authenticity and humility. Taken in 1991 and printed in 1993, this photograph reflects a moment of stillness and continuity in the rural town of Hikata, located in Chiba Prefecture. The late 20th century was a time when rural areas like Chiba were navigating the tension between modern influences and traditional lifestyles, themes that Kitai masterfully captures in this piece. The image evokes a sense of nostalgia and simplicity, inviting viewers to reflect on the often-overlooked beauty of everyday rural life. It underscores Kitai’s broader artistic vision of celebrating the humanity and dignity in the ordinary. "Hikata, Chiba" holds a unique place in Kitai’s body of work as a quiet meditation on the relationship between humans and their environment. It invites the audience to consider the fragility and endurance of nature and tradition in a rapidly modernizing world. This photograph, like much of Kitai's work, is both a document of a specific time and place and a universal commentary on the intersection of past and present.
  • Creator:
    Kazuo Kitai (1944, Japanese)
  • Creation Year:
    1991
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 17.52 in (44.5 cm)Width: 12.17 in (30.9 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Framing:
    Framing Options Available
  • Condition:
    In excellent condition.
  • Gallery Location:
    Hong Kong, HK
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: KK-0031stDibs: LU1545215777692

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