Howard Greenberg Gallery is presenting "Kenro Izu: Mono no Aware – The Beauty of Impermanence," running through November 22, 2025. The exhibition showcases the work of master printer Kenro Izu, who has spent 50 years photographing sacred places around the world. The show coincides with the publication of a limited-edition two-volume boxed set titled "Mono no Aware" by Nazraeli Press in September 2025.

The term "mono no aware," which translates to "the pathos of things," expresses the Japanese notion of appreciating the ephemeral beauty of life and objects. Izu's project revolves around three central themes: 14th-century Japanese Noh masks, stones and trees surrounding the remains of ancient shrines, and wildflowers and grasses that bloom briefly near Izu's residence. Through these subjects, the artist invites viewers to discover the depth of his work through brilliant images that explore impermanence and refined aesthetics.

The exhibition explores three key Japanese aesthetic concepts: yugen (mystical and profound), sabi (aging beauty), and wabi (austere beauty). The displayed silver gelatin and platinum palladium prints are uniquely created using antique silver leaf recovered from historical screens and adorned with fabrics from vintage kimonos. This innovative technique makes each artwork a distinctive fusion of photographic art and Japanese heritage.

"Art and life are intimately connected for me, and my thoughts have often turned to the notion of beauty as understood in Western and Japanese contexts," Izu explained. "Encountering Noh masks awakened in me a deep curiosity about their human expressions, a fascination that has intensified over time. The gaze of the masks seemed to penetrate the inner being, reminding me that to observe is also to be observed."

Izu's artistic journey expanded beyond the masks to explore their origins rooted in Shinto traditions and Japan's Jinja shrines. He was particularly drawn to shrine forests, where sacred trees, rocks, and dense groves evoke a sense of timelessness. During the COVID-19 lockdown, his attention shifted to subjects closer to home: wildflowers and grasses arranged in clay vases made from local materials.

The artist found profound meaning in the fleeting beauty of these natural subjects. "The fugitive beauty of their unnoticed blooming and decline deeply resonated with me," he noted. "I continue to remember how daily life and environment shape artistic creation." This intimate connection between art and everyday experience forms the foundation of Izu's exploration of mono no aware.

The exhibition represents a culmination of decades of work by the renowned photographer, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the profound Japanese aesthetic philosophy through contemporary photographic art. The unique printing techniques and materials used in creating these works add another layer of cultural significance to the already meaningful subject matter.