June 17 - August 27, 2009

The Japan Foundation, Toronto
131 Bloor Street West
2nd floor of the Colonnade
www.jftor.org, 416.966.1600 x 229

Gallery Hours:
Monday - Friday: 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursdays: 11:30 am - 7:00 pm
Special Saturday Opening: June 27, July 4 & 18, Noon - 5:00 pm
Closed: Other Saturdays and Sundays
Canada Day: July 1, Civic Holiday: August 3
Admission Free

Throughout history, Japanese culture has been strongly influenced by foreign culture and aesthetics, including Chinese Buddhism in the ancient period, Zen Buddhism in medieval times, Confucian philosophy during the Edo Shogunate, and European modern civilization in the Meiji period. Japanese gardens are no exception and have experienced constant transfiguration under foreign influence, while still maintaining some kind of continuity.

One of the unique characteristics of the Japanese garden is the relationship between man and nature. In describing his own creations of over 40 years, Kyoto-born photographer Katsuhiko Mizuno has said that nothing in his photos is either purely natural or purely artificial. He always sees the hands of gardeners or stolen glances of long-gone visitors behind a tree or a rock in the gardens, and captures the aura of timeless spirits with his camera. In the old capital of Kyoto even nature unfolds its seasonal cycle in the context of human history.

Two DVD presentations will screen along with the exhibition. Audrey Hepburn (Japanese Gardens, 1993, 25 min.) and the music of Toru Takemitsu (Dream Window: Reflections on the Japanese Garden, 1992, 57 min.) will guide you through Japanese gardens. The films will be repeated continuously, so there is no need to make a reservation.