Michael Kenna: Venice

The magic of Venice through the stunning images by the great photographer

Discover Venice anew through the lens of Michael Kenna. This stunning book offers an in-depth exploration of the British virtuoso’s black-and-white masterpieces, most of which are reproduced with the same format as the original prints.

Kenna’s practice is characterised by long exposure times, which can last up to several hours, thus revealing unseen details within the Venetian landscape. His lens captures a wide array of subjects: mist-shrouded chapels and attics, falling stars above bell towers, palace arches, laundry threads, gondola prows, bridges, garden statues, twisted poles emerging from the black lagoon and reminiscent of ancient figures. Michael Kenna’s photographs skillfully play with light, shadow, and reflection to show the poetic intensity of Venice.

From solo exhibitions in prestigious museums to retrospectives that span continents, this compilation of Venetian imagery adds a new chapter to Kenna’s illustrious career. It stands as a testament to his unparalleled ability to capture the timeless allure of Venice, offering viewers a unique and immersive experience through the lens of an exacting master.

About the Author

Sandro Parmiggiani, art critic and curator, writer for newspapers and magazines (including “Il Giornale dell’Arte”), is author of essays in volumes and catalogues and curator of catalogues raisonnée of the work of various artists.