Bronzen poort en de tombe van Ietsugu in het tempelcomplex Zojo-ji in Shiba, Tokyo, Japan before 1903

This is a photograph by Kusakabe Kimbei showing the bronze gate and tomb of Ietsugu in Tokyo. It’s a photo, but I think we can think about it like a painting. The composition, like a drawing, uses line and form to lead your eye up the steps toward the tomb, drawing you into the sacred space. The artist must have been thinking about capturing the solemnity and grandeur of the Zojo-ji temple complex. The black and white tones evoke a sense of history. It also makes me think of the texture of the stone. You can see how weathered it is, how it is worn by the touch of hands over many years. It makes me wonder about the stories held within these walls, and the generations who have sought solace and connection in this place. Kimbei’s photograph reminds us of the silent dialogues happening between artists across different mediums and cultures. It inspires us to look more deeply, feel more fully, and to embrace the mysterious and ever-changing nature of our shared human experience.