Hans Silvester, Photo report in Japan in 1968
In 1968 Hans Silvester travelled across Japan as a photojournalist and a keen observer of a country undergoing profound transformation. Through his lens, he captured a nation poised between tradition and modernity, between the quietude of its temples and the restless energy of its cities. The resulting images reveal a rare humanist vision, where the poetry of everyday gestures merges seamlessly with the power of documentary photography.
An Exceptional Artist’s Book – Japan 1968
Éditions du Renard Pâle have selected 29 of these photographs to create a truly remarkable artist’s book :
“A marvellous original work of art, produced in only 30 copies, numbered and signed. The emblematic images captured by Hans in 1968 in Japan, are paired with timeless haikus, brought together in a layout as sumptuous as it is ingenious. »
Before your eyes, stands an original photograph, perfectly framed in black American style. Behind this frame, discreetly detached from its wall mount, a hidden compartment reveals a magical bookbinding that opens on one side in Japanese, and on the other in French. All this seems very original to you. ! Yes, The two languages intertwine over the same images, creating enchanting tabs. Add to this authentic seals by Japanese masters and calligraphies by another great master, and you enter an exceptional universe of instinctive poetry, pure and wordless. » - Thierry Maindrault, the Eye of Photography
Exhibition “Japan 1968”
To mark the publication of the artist’s book, The Galerie Retour De Voyage presents an exhibition dedicated to this unique creation, a true collector’s item. The book is enriched by the collaboration of calligrapher Master Chen Yong Wu, whose works enter into dialogue with Silvester’s photographs, enhancing the poetic and spiritual dimensions of Japan in 1960.
The exhibition brings together a selection of original photographs from the Japan series taken in 1968, the Japanese calligraphies by Master Chen Yong Wu, featured in the book, and, the artist’s book itself 1968 presented at its heart.
This encounter between photography and calligraphy celebrates the slowness, precision, and visual intensity that both arts share.
A Humanist Vision of Japan in the 60
The Japan revealed by Hans Silvester in 1968 is a country in transition. His photographs — from street scenes, to landscapes, and portraits — are imbued with profound humanity. They depict a society at a crossroads, suspended between its cultural heritage and the dawn of modernity.
This timeless vision still resonates today with clarity, grace, and emotion.
📅 Exhibition dates : December 2025 and January 2026 – Opening Reception 14 December 15 h – 19 h
📍 Venue: Galerie Retour De Voyage, 6 Rose Rose Goudard, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
📖 Limited edition of the artist's book Japan 1968 – Editions Le Renard Pâle – 6 copies available
✍️ Guest calligrapher : Master Chen Yong Wu
📸 Artist : Hans Silvester