The event in Apr 6th
I received invitation letter from Leica Store Kyoto in March ‘24. The content was interesting. The photo exhibition of Andy Summers takes place at Leica Gallery Kyoto as one of celebration program for the 10th anniversary. Then some special guest will come, the letter informed me.
What was actual situation?
The architecture of Leica Store Kyoto and Leica Gallery Kyoto are unique. It was originally Kyoto town style house built up more than 100 years ago. Leica Camera AG well applied the renovation, keeping the traditional aspect of Kyoto’s town style house. The 1t floor is the store. The 2nd is the Gallery.
Subscribers of the event were introduced to the 2nd floor. Then Ms.KARIN REHN-KAUFMANN, who is Curator, Art Director, Chief Representative of all Leica Galleries globally and jury member of the international Leica Oskar Barnack Award, appeared. Unfortunately Dr. A. Kaufman didn’t join. But according to her explanation, attendees understood that new generations in his family will be involved in the steering board of Leica Camera AG more gradually. Hope they bring Leica Camera AG into more successful stage. Ms.Kaufmann also commented that Leica put high importance on photographic art’s dissemination. Yes, in my case, Leica Gallery Kyoto is the most approachable Gallery to meet various photograph exhibition with higher sense. Still I expect the coming exhibition, I enjoy the nice exhibition by Andy right now though.
Special guest
Yes, the guest was Andy Summers. Famous Leica photographer and also well-known as the great guitarlist of the rock band the Police. God does give with both hands. Understood that even Andy also selected the camera made in Japan at first, when he was introduced about photo shooting and printing. Then changed into Leica. Yes as he told, the practice and daily shooting are the way to reach serious fine photograph. Anyway appreciate on the fact that he came to Kyoto and talked about his passion as photographer. It was also impressive that he was big fun of the movie by Akira Kurosawa, Japan’s great film director.
Impressive ceremony for 10th anniversary
Celebration with dancing ceremony by cute Maiko ( 舞子 ), who is apprentice geisha (芸者) was also impressive. Unique situation that Leica from Germany arrange such program in Japan’s very traditional architecture. That’s fine.
to celebrate 10th Anniversary
of Leica Kyoto
Special gift
When I go back home, the clerk passed to me the Leica’s paper bag. It has something of souvenir. At my home I open the package. Then noticed that it’s originally arranged Furoshiki by Leica Store Koto. The color looks a like Leica’s red color. But in my eyes, the elegant red color can be also regarded as Japan’s traditional “Kurenai no Yashio (紅の八塩). Anyway the traditional textile with the mixture of Kyoto’s typical icons and Leica feeling iconic designing is absolutely unprecedented and unique for me. Hope I can buy this Leica’s original and Japan’s traditional Furoshiki style wrapping cloth. Should confirm!
Exhibition of Andy’s photograph
Andy Summers Photography Exhibition, “A Series of Glances” held, Apr 7th to July 7th, 2024, at Leica Gallery Kyoto. Suggest to visit the Gallery, maybe during Kyotographie 2024 period.
