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Personal statement by the photographer Jens LIEBCHEN
"The tradition of tree (de)shaping has taken on a symbolic role in Japanese culture. Trees and shrubs in Japanese gardens are often drastically altered. Sculptors control the position of the trees and manipulate the growth of trunks, branches and leaves. Little, if anything, is left to nature." (Jens LIEBCHEN)Background information
"The series of pictures shows a magical winter wonderland, a deserted, untouched snowy landscape with beautifully grown trees, the flakes, individually or in groups, filigree and delicately green on the branches, emerging from the soft white and gray tones of the surroundings. A natural spectacle of perfect beauty.It seems so - but it is not.
Jens LIEBCHEN took the pictures in the middle of Tokyo in the outer part of the Imperial Palace Garden. Here and there, you can make out cars driving past in the thick snow in the background, with the occasional silhouette of a tower block darkening the sky. And nature has only provided the material for the trees. Placement, growth, size and shape are defined by man and planned down to the smallest detail. With his pictures, Jens Liebchen, who lived in Tokyo for three years, reflects the iron principles of the Japanese social system.
Nevertheless, the series of pictures is captivating due to its great beauty, and this also applies to the book itself. 'System' is printed in the finest quality and finished as a cloth-bound hardcover with embossed title and glued-in label on the back - a bibliophile gem." (slightly modified text, © Hannes WANDERER, 2014)
About German photographer, Jens LIEBCHEN (b.1970)
Photo books by and with works by Jens LIEBCHEN
- Book design
- Helge SCHLAGHECKE
- Format
- Linen bound HC (no dust jacket, as issued), 20 x 26,5 x 1 cm., 40 pp., 19 duotone b/w ills., no text. Ltd. to 500 copies