May 28 & 29 Weekend Opening for Doors Open at The Japan Foundation

Special Weekend Opening for Doors Open Toronto 2011

Saturday, May 28, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday, May 29, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Japan Foundation , Toronto

131 Bloor St. W., 2nd Floor of the Colonnade Building

www.jftor.org

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Photographic Exhibition and Library Opening



March 15 - July 29, 2011 Exhibition extended until July 29
The Grand Shrine of Ise: Photographs by Haruo Nakano
Exhibition presented by The Japan Foundation

Participating Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival



GALLERY HOURS
Monday: 11:30 am - 7:00 pm EXTENDED HOURS
Tuesday: 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday: 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursdays: 11:30 am - 7:00 pm EXTENDED HOURS
Friday: 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday openings: Noon - 5:00 pm, June 4 & 18, July 9
Doors Open Toronto : May 28 & 29, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

CLOSED
other Saturdays & Sundays
July 1 ( Canada Day)

Admission: Free

The Grand Shrine of Ise is raised in honour of two central deities: Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and Toyouke, the goddess of prosperity. The legend of the shrine’s origin goes back over two thousand years, and historical records can be traced back to the seventh century. Historically, the Imperial Family of Japan has maintained a long relationship with the Shrine. Beginning as recently as the 18th century, pilgrimages to the Grand Shrine have become one of the most popular entertainments in the life of the nation.

The shrines of the two main goddesses are surrounded by those of a total of 123 other gods. Because of the animistic aspect of the Shinto religion, every single element or phenomenon of nature is symbolized by some divine character. Countless gods and goddesses all serve these main goddesses in order to achieve the happiness and harmony of Japan and the universe. This intimate relationship with nature is revealed to be a fundamental characteristic of Japanese culture.

The official photographer of the Grand Shrine, Haruo Nakano, was born and raised in the city of Ise . The sacred property and forest of the Grand Shrine used to be his childhood playground. Nakano still resides in Ise and visits the Shrine virtually every day, so his camera seems to capture even invisible exchanges between nature and people.

All photographs are printed on washi, hand-made Japanese paper, and framed using timber from the sacred forest of the Shrine. Along with the delicate but noble photography, the contemporary craftsmanship contributes to this exhibition to deliver the spirit of the holy forest.