Kyoto, Japan
Artworks by Lucas Stoffel Fine art prints available on Etsy.
Kyoto Butterfly Garden at the Prince George Gallery by Lucas Stoffel
The allure of Kyoto's Gion district became a unique and mysterious fascination for me as a photographer. Gion holds fame as one of the country's oldest and most renowned geisha districts. Every evening at dusk, I would position myself on a side street, hoping to capture the mesmerizing sight of these elegant women gracefully darting about like butterflies, moving from one place to another. Patiently waiting in the shadows, I aimed to capture the beauty of their kimonos and striking faces through my camera lens.
The presence of geishas in Gion traces back to ancient times when the district flourished as an entertainment hub and a center for cultural activities. Geishas played an integral role in entertaining guests at high-class teahouses, parties, and banquets, showcasing their talents through dances, musical performances, and refined conversations, enriching the events with their artistry and grace.
Geisha's by Lucas Stoffel
This series is a direct reflection of my inspiration from those nights spent running around Gion, with my camera poised like a butterfly net. These Geisha Paintings came from those days in Kyoto.
Kyoto Butterfly Garden at the Prince George Gallery by Lucas Stoffel
The Kyoto Butterfly Garden and other works were on display at the Prince George Gallery in New York, 15 East 27th Street August 12th - 20th, 2023. For more information about hosting this exhibition please contact lucasstoffel@me.com