Those looking to kick off the new year with some divine inspiration are in luck – thanks to a rare exhibition coming to Banbury this month. Renowned black and white landscape Michael Kenna is to be the subject of a rare retrospective photo show being held at Banbury Museum, a stone?s throw from the Banbury School of Art that Michael attended after leaving school.

More than 50 images will be displayed, including some from his student days that have never been displayed before, in a show that will cover over three decades of Kenna?s work. The pictures include numerous examples of subjects that have fascinated the artist and show the changes and developments in his style during his career.

The exhibition was originally intended to be an opportunity for his elderly parents ? both in their mid 90s ? to attend an exhibition of their youngest son?s work. ?I was initially motivated to exhibit work at Banbury Museum so my parents, Kathleen and Walter, who lived locally, could attend. Sadly they both died this year so I am dedicating this show to their memory and to the 35 happy years they spent together in Banbury,? he said.

The exhibition includes local studies to Banbury, including country scenes and views of ancient churches and buildings in north Oxfordshire and south Northamptonshire. There?s also some of Kenna?s first works captured after moving to the USA in the 1970s, studies of industrial England, night works, a number of pictures from his 1980s ?French? era, a wide variety of pictures in Europe and the USA in the 90s, and moving into the millennium with some inimitable images shot in Russia and Japan.

Visitors can see the exhibition ? organized in cooperation with Cherwell District Council ? for free at Banbury Museum from January 13 ? March 14. For more details call 01295 259855.

Image © Michael Kenna

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