Michael Kenna: Buddha

Michael Kenna’s black-and-white photographs of Buddha statues featured in this book are a restorative, inspiring antidote to a chaotic modern world.

Michael Kenna is celebrated for his mysterious and exquisite black-and-white natural and industrial landscapes. He is especially revered for his images of Asia, where he has traveled to some of the world's most beautiful locations. It is no wonder that among Kenna's prolific creations are numerous images of the Buddha from countries such as Cambodia, China, Japan, India, Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Captured in shrines, temples, sanctuaries, private homes, and museums, these images are quiet, uncluttered, and striking in the interplay of dark and light, line and shadow. Also included in the book are a selection of Kenna's Asian landscape photography, an essay about Buddhism, and excerpts from Buddhist scriptures. Fans of Kenna's distinctive evocative style will savor the myriad perspectives of the Buddha's singular form, while anyone inspired by the Buddha's message will be drawn to this photographic journey towards enlightenment.

Michael Kenna is a U.S.-based, British photographer, best known for his black-and-white, landscape, and urban landscape photography. He is the author of Rouge and Forms of Japan (both by Prestel).