Collection by Luke Hopping

Centuries-Old Buddhist Temples Seen Through a Modern Lens

Executed with a level of restraint and precision rarely seen outside the modern era, Kyoto's Zen Buddhist temples and gardens are as breathtaking today as they were a thousand years ago. In a new book, View, Kyoto, and gallery exhibit, Dutch visual artist and photographer Jacqueline Hassink painstakingly captures these spaces' architectural and spiritual serenity.

Rozan-ji (2008) - Once the cultural and political capital of Japan, Kyoto is home to some 1,600 temples, each with its own garden. Nature is experienced directly from a low vantage point, such as a wooden terrace or meditation room.
Rozan-ji (2008) - Once the cultural and political capital of Japan, Kyoto is home to some 1,600 temples, each with its own garden. Nature is experienced directly from a low vantage point, such as a wooden terrace or meditation room.
Shōden-ji (2004) - Precursors to what we might today call “user-centered design,” Buddhist temples are scaled to the 1:2 ratio of the tatami, the rush mat designed with the human form in mind.
Shōden-ji (2004) - Precursors to what we might today call “user-centered design,” Buddhist temples are scaled to the 1:2 ratio of the tatami, the rush mat designed with the human form in mind.
Hōsen-in (2011) - The absence of windows frames the gardens as a natural extension of the meditation space. The effect is an immersive indoor-outdoor experience.
Hōsen-in (2011) - The absence of windows frames the gardens as a natural extension of the meditation space. The effect is an immersive indoor-outdoor experience.
Eikan-dō (2009) - Views, Kyoto will be released March 24 via Hatje Cantz. Additionally, Benrubi Gallery in New York will exhibit photos from Hassink's series from March 26 until May 9. Hassink will appear at the opening, as well as host a book signing at the International Center of Photography in New York on April 7.
Eikan-dō (2009) - Views, Kyoto will be released March 24 via Hatje Cantz. Additionally, Benrubi Gallery in New York will exhibit photos from Hassink's series from March 26 until May 9. Hassink will appear at the opening, as well as host a book signing at the International Center of Photography in New York on April 7.