Japanese photographer Rinko Kawauchi weaves a narrative of the duality between life and death in her work. Her images simultaneously suggest optimism for an idyllic existence and existential dread for the struggles of everyday life.
Kawauchi graduated from Seian University of Art and Design in 1993. In 2001, she released a trio of photobooks — Utatane, Hanabi and Hanako — that received critical acclaim and launched Kawauchi’s career. Over the next two decades, she produced over 20 photobooks.
Kawauchi is a master narrator capable of telling stories in a minimalist style. Like the haikus she writes to accompany her work, Kawauchi’s photography offers poetry in the stillness of a single frame. Simplicity is a key element in her work, which captures intentional moments and freezes nature in time. Her subjects include fire, fireworks, clouds, lightning, sakura blossoms and waves.
In 2002, Kawauchi won the Rookie of the Year Award from the Photographic Society of Japan. She received the International Center of Photography’s Annual Infinity Award in 2009 and was shortlisted in 2012 for the Deutsche Börse Photography Prize. In 2013, she won the Domestic Photographer Award at the 29th Higashikawa Awards and the Art Encourage Prize for New Artist from the Ministry of Education.
She has exhibited her work around the world, including at the Fondation Cartier in Paris, the Photographer’s Gallery in London, the Museu de Arte Moderna de São Paulo and White Cube in Kyoto.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Rinko Kawauchi’s photography.
$12,557
Untitled, from 'Illuminance' – Rinko Kawauchi, Light, Candle, Fire, Still Life
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
RINKO KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Illuminance' 2011 C–type print Sheet 103 x 103 cm (40 1/2 x 40 1/2 in.) Edition of 6; Ed. no. 3/6 framed Reminiscent of Japa...
C Print
Untitled, from the series ‚Semear‘
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series ‚Semear‘, 2010 C-print Medium 25.4 × 30.48 cm (10 x 12 in.) Large 101.6 × 101.6 cm (40 x 40 in.) Edition of 3 Print only, Sign...
C Print
Untitled
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in New York, NY
Archival pigment print Signed and numbered, verso 10 x 8 inches, sheet 9 x 6 inches, image This photograph is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. About the artist: This p...
Archival Pigment
Untitled, from the series 'The river embraced me'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'The river embraced me', 2016 C–type print 56 × 56 cm (22 × 22 in.) Edition of 3 Print only, Signed by the artist This photog...
C Print
Untitled, from the series 'The river embraced me'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'The river embraced me', 2016 C–type print 56 × 56 cm (22 × 22 in.) Edition of 3 Print only, Signed by the artist This photog...
C Print
$46,740
Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi' – Rinko Kawauchi, Landscape, Sky, Hill
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi', 2013 Lambda print Sheet 148 x 185 cm (58 1/4 x 72 7/8 in.) Edition of 3; Ed. no. 2/3 Print only Kawauchi, curre...
Lambda
$11,859
Untitled, from the series "Approaching Whiteness" – Rinko Kawauchi, Landscape
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Untitled, from the series "Approaching Whiteness" 2011 C-print Sheet 101.6 x 101.6 cm (40 x 40 in.) Edition of 6; Ed. 1/6 Print only Kawauchi, currently one of the most famed contem...
C Print
$19,184
Untitled, from 'Illuminance' – Rinko Kawauchi, Cherry Blossom, Flowers, Spring
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
RINKO KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Illuminance' 2009 C–type print Sheet 101.6 x 101.6 cm (40 x 40 in.) Edition of 3; Ed. no. 3/3 (last available edition) print...
C Print
Untitled, from the series ‚Semear‘
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series ‚Semear‘, 2010 C-print Medium 25.4 × 30.48 cm (10 x 12 in.) Large 101.6 × 101.6 cm (40 x 40 in.) Edition of 3 Print only, Sign...
C Print
Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi' – Rinko Kawauchi
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi', 2013 Lambda print Medium Sheet 64 × 80 cm (25 1/5 × 31 1/2 in.) Large Sheet 148 x 185 cm (58 1/4 x 72 7/8 in.) Ed...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi', 2013 Lambda print Medium Sheet 64 × 80 cm (25 1/5 × 31 1/2 in.) Large Sheet 148 x 185 cm (58 1/4 x 72 7/8 in.) Ed...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'The river embraced me'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'The river embraced me', 2016 C–type print 56 × 56 cm (22 × 22 in.) Edition of 3 Print only, Signed by the artist This photog...
C Print
Untitled, from the series ‚ murmuration‘
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series ‚ murmuration‘, 2010 Lambda print Medium 33 × 50 cm (13 x 19 3/4 in.) Large 66.7 × 100 cm (26 1/4 x 39 3/8 in.) Edition of 6 P...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'AILA'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'AILA', 2005 C–type print Sheet 101.6 × 101.6 cm (40 × 40 in.) Edition of 6 Signed by the artist Kawauchi burst on the intern...
C Print
$48,833
Untitled, from the series 'Halo' – Rinko Kawauchi, Birds, Dark Blue, Crowd, Sky
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
RINKO KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series of Halo 2016 Lambda print Sheet 120 x 180 cm (47 1/4 x 70 7/8 in.) Frame 122.5 x 182.6 x 4.5 cm (48 1/4 x 71 7/8 x 1 3/4 in.) ...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'Cui Cui'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Cui Cui', 2005 C–type print 30.5 × 25.4 cm (12 × 10 in.) Edition of 6 Print only, Signed by the artist This photograph belon...
C Print
Untitled, from the series ‚Semear‘
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series ‚Semear‘, 2010 C-print Medium 25.4 × 30.48 cm (10 x 12 in.) Large 101.6 × 101.6 cm (40 x 40 in.) Edition of 3 Print only, Sign...
C Print
Untitled, from the series 'The river embraced me'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'The river embraced me', 2016 C–type print Medium 80 × 100 cm (31 1/2 x 39 3/8 in.) Large 120 × 150 cm (47 1/4 x 59 in.) Editi...
C Print
$12,440
Untitled, from the series 'M/E' – Rinko Kawauchi, Japanese, Abstract, Light, Art
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
RINKO KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'M/E' 2020 Lambda print Sheet 75 x 50 cm (29 1/2 × 19 7/10 in.) Edition of 3 (#1/3) print only This photograph belongs to th...
Lambda
Untitled, from 'Illuminance' – Rinko Kawauchi
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
RINKO KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Illuminance' 2011 Lambda print Sheet 101.6 x 101.6 cm (40 x 40 in.) Edition of 6 print only, Signed by the Artist Reminiscen...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'Halo'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Halo', 2017 Lambda print 50 x 75 cm (19 5/8 x 29 1/2 in.) Frame 52,6 x 77,5 x 4,5 cm (20 3/4 x 30 1/2 x 1 3/4 in.) Edition of...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'the eyes, the ears'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'the eyes, the ears', 2005 Lambda print Sheet 30,5 x 25,4 cm (12 x 10 in.) Frame 31,5 x 26,5 x 2,5 cm (12 3/8 x 10 3/8 x 1 in....
Lambda
$11,859
Untitled, from the series of 'Hanabi' – Rinko Kawauchi, Sky, Firework, Night
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
RINKO KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Hanabi' 2001 C–type print Sheet 101.6 x 101.6 cm (40 x 40 in.) Edition of 6; Ed. no. 5/6 print only Reminiscent of Japanese...
C Print
$20,114
Untitled, from 'the eyes, the ears' – Rinko Kawauchi, Sky, Birds, Flock, Color
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
RINKO KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'the eyes, the ears' 2003 Lambda print Sheet 150 x 150 cm (59 x 59 in.) Edition of 6; Ed. no. 3/6 print only Reminiscent of J...
Lambda
Untitled, from 'Illuminance' – Rinko Kawauchi
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
RINKO KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Illuminance' 2007 C–type print Sheet 101 × 101 cm (40 x 40 in.) Frame 107 x 107 cm (42 1/8 x 42 1/8 in.) Edition of 3; Ed. no...
Lambda
$4,883
Untitled, from the series of 'Hanabi' – Rinko Kawauchi, Sky, Firework, Night
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
RINKO KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Hanabi' 2001 C–type print Sheet 25.4 x 20.3 cm (10 x 8 in.) Edition of 6; Ed. no. 3/6 framed Reminiscent of Japanese phot...
C Print
Untitled, from the series 'Illuminance' – Rinko Kawauchi
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
RINKO KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Illuminance' 2009 Lambda print Sheet 101.6 × 101.6 cm (40 x 40 in.) Edition of 6 framed, Signed by the Artist Reminiscent of...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series ‚Semear‘
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series ‚Semear‘, 2010 C-print Medium 25.4 × 30.48 cm (10 x 12 in.) Large 101.6 × 101.6 cm (40 x 40 in.) Edition of 3 Print only, Sign...
C Print
Untitled, from the series 'M/E'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko Kawauchi Untitled, from the series 'M/E', 2020 Lambda print Sheet 120 x 80 cm (47 1/5 × 31 1/2 in ) Edition of 3 (#1/3) Signed Kawauchi burst on the international scene in 20...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi', 2013 Lambda print Medium Sheet 64 × 80 cm (25 1/5 × 31 1/2 in.) Large Sheet 148 x 185 cm (58 1/4 x 72 7/8 in.) Ed...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi', 2013 Lambda print Medium Sheet 64 × 80 cm (25 1/5 × 31 1/2 in.) Large Sheet 148 x 185 cm (58 1/4 x 72 7/8 in.) Ed...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'the eyes, the ears'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'the eyes, the ears', 2005 Lambda print Sheet 101.6 × 101.6 cm (40 × 40 in.) Edition of 6 Signed by the artist Kawauchi burst...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'The river embraced me'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'The river embraced me', 2016 C–type print Medium 80 × 100 cm (31 1/2 x 39 3/8 in.) Large 120 × 150 cm (47 1/4 x 59 in.) Editi...
C Print
Untitled, from the series 'M/E'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko Kawauchi Untitled, from the series 'M/E', 2020 Lambda print Sheet 120 x 80 cm (47 1/5 × 31 1/2 in ) Edition of 3 (#1/3) Signed Kawauchi burst on the international scene in 20...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'Cui Cui'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Cui Cui', 2005 C–type print 30.5 × 25.4 cm (12 × 10 in.) Edition of 6 Print only, Signed by the artist This photograph belon...
C Print
Untitled, from the series 'Illuminance' – Rinko Kawauchi
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
RINKO KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Illuminance' 2011 Lambda print Sheet 30.48 × 25.4 cm (12 × 10 in.) Edition of 6 framed, Signed by the Artist Reminiscent of ...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series ‚Semear‘
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series ‚Semear‘, 2010 C-print Medium 25.4 × 30.48 cm (10 x 12 in.) Large 101.6 × 101.6 cm (40 x 40 in.) Edition of 3 Print only, Sign...
C Print
Untitled, from the series 'Halo'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Halo', 2017 Lambda print 120 × 80 cm (47 1/5 × 31 1/2 in.) Edition of 3 Signed by the artist Kawauchi burst on the internati...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'Search for the sun'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Search for the sun', 2015 Chromogenic print, Diasec Medium 50 × 50 cm (19 3/4 x 19 3/4 in.) Large 120 × 97.6 cm (47 1/4 x 38 ...
C Print
$5,115
Untitled, from 'Illuminance' – Rinko Kawauchi, Japan, Hands, Lighter, Fire
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
RINKO KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Illuminance' 2004 C–type print Sheet 30.48 x 25.4 cm (12 x 10 in.) Frame 31.5 x 26.5 x 2.5 cm (12 3/8 x 10 3/8 x 1 in.) Editi...
C Print
Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi' – Rinko Kawauchi
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi', 2013 Lambda print Large Sheet 148 x 185 cm (58 1/4 x 72 7/8 in.) Medium Sheet 64 x 80 cm (25 1/4 x 31 1/2 in.) E...
Lambda
$40,113
Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi' – Rinko Kawauchi, Landscape, Fire, Hill
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi', 2013 Lambda print 148 x 185 cm (58 1/4 x 72 7/8 in.) Edition of 3; Ed. no. 1/3 Print only Kawauchi, currently o...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series ‚ murmuration‘
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series‚ murmuration‘, 2010 Lambda print Large 66.7 × 100 cm (26 1/4 x 39 3/8 in.) Edition of 6 Print only, Signed by the artist This...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'Halo'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Halo', 2017 Lambda print 120 × 180 cm (47 1/5 × 70 9/10 in.) Edition of 3 Signed by the artist Kawauchi burst on the interna...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'Hanabi'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Hanabi', 2001 C-type print 101,6 x 101,6 cm (40 x 40 in.) Edition of 6 Signed by the artist Kawauchi burst on the internatio...
C Print
Untitled, from the series 'Halo'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Halo', 2017 Lambda print 120 × 180 cm (47 1/5 × 70 9/10 in.) Edition of 3 Signed by the artist Kawauchi burst on the interna...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'Hanabi'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Hanabi', 2001 C–type print Sheet 101.6 × 101.6 cm (40 × 40 in.) Edition of 6 Signed by the artist Kawauchi burst on the inte...
C Print
Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi', 2013 Lambda print Medium Sheet 64 × 80 cm (25 1/5 × 31 1/2 in.) Large Sheet 148 x 185 cm (58 1/4 x 72 7/8 in.) Ed...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'Cui Cui'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Cui Cui', 2005 C–type print 30.5 × 25.4 cm (12 × 10 in.) Edition of 6 Print only, Signed by the artist This photograph belon...
C Print
Untitled, from the series ‚Semear‘
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series ‚Semear‘, 2010 C-print Medium 25.4 × 30.48 cm (10 x 12 in.) Large 101.6 × 101.6 cm (40 x 40 in.) Edition of 3 Print only, Sign...
C Print
Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Ametsuchi', 2013 Lambda print Medium Sheet 64 × 80 cm (25 1/5 × 31 1/2 in.) Large Sheet 148 x 185 cm (58 1/4 x 72 7/8 in.) Ed...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'AILA'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'AILA', 2004 C–type print Sheet 30.5 × 25.4 cm (12 × 10 in.) Edition of 6 Signed by the artist Kawauchi burst on the internat...
C Print
Untitled, from the series 'Utatane'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Untitled, from the series 'Utatane', 2001 C–type print Sheet 25.4 × 20.4 cm (10 × 8 in.) Edition of 6 Signed by the artist Kawauchi burst on the international scene in 2001 when she...
C Print
Untitled, from the series 'AILA'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'AILA', 2005 C–type print Sheet 101.6 × 101.6 cm (40 × 40 in.) Edition of 6 Signed by the artist Kawauchi burst on the intern...
C Print
Untitled, from the series ‚ murmuration‘
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series ‚ murmuration‘, 2010 Lambda print Medium 33 × 50 cm (13 x 19 3/4 in.) Large 66.7 × 100 cm (26 1/4 x 39 3/8 in.) Edition of 6 P...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'The river embraced me'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'The river embraced me', 2016 C–type print Medium 80 × 100 cm (31 1/2 x 39 3/8 in.) Large 120 × 150 cm (47 1/4 x 59 in.) Editi...
C Print
Untitled, from the series 'Halo'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Halo', 2016 Lambda print 120 × 180 cm (47 1/5 × 70 9/10 in.) Edition of 3 Signed by the artist Kawauchi burst on the interna...
Lambda
Untitled, from the series 'Utatane'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Untitled, from the series 'Utatane', 2001 C–type print Sheet 25.4 × 20.4 cm (10 × 8 in.) Edition of 6 Signed by the artist Kawauchi burst on the international scene in 2001 when she...
C Print
Untitled, from the series 'Search for the sun'
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series 'Search for the sun', 2015 Chromogenic print, Diasec Medium 50 × 50 cm (19 3/4 x 19 3/4 in.) Large 120 × 97.6 cm (47 1/4 x 38 ...
C Print
Untitled, from the series ‚ murmuration‘
By Rinko Kawauchi
Located in Zurich, CH
Rinko KAWAUCHI (*1972, Japan) Untitled, from the series ‚ murmuration‘, 2010 Lambda print Medium 33 × 50 cm (13 x 19 3/4 in.) Large 66.7 × 100 cm (26 1/4 x 39 3/8 in.) Edition of 6 P...
Lambda