10 years of Japanese photography in Antwerp: IBASHO Gallery compiles its best-of in an anniversary exhibition

To celebrate ten years of sharing Japanese photography and its minimalist aesthetic, IBASHO Gallery in Antwerp is unveiling a retrospective: "Looking Back: 10 Years of IBASHO." An opportunity to look back on the highlights of the last ten years. This anniversary exhibition, featuring works by Toshio Shibata and others, will be held from Sunday 23 March to 18 May 2025. The exhibition will coincide with Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan (April 13 – October 13, 2025).

As its name suggests, IBASHO—meaning "a place where you can be yourself" in Japanese—was designed as a relaxed and welcoming space where everyone can feel at home. It is no coincidence that Martijn van Pieterson and Annemarie Zethof have set up their gallery in their own home in Antwerp.

STARTING POINT

The Dutch couple's first encounter with Japanese photography came through ukiyo-e, the art of Japanese printmaking. At the time, Zethof was working in the legal field but decided to leave her career to study photography at the Fotoacademie in Amsterdam. In 2008, the couple moved to London, where a visit to an exhibition by Daido Moriyama and William Klein—two icons of contemporary photography—at Tate Modern marked a turning point. Shortly afterwards, van Pieterson felt the need to change career paths. As private collectors, they decided to leave London to found IBASHO in Antwerp, a gallery entirely dedicated to Japanese art photography, characterized by a "Less is More" approach.

On March 26, 2015, they inaugurated IBASHO by unveiling their very first exhibition in their home and gallery, presenting works from their personal collection, accumulated over the years as private collectors.

Shortly after, IBASHO unveiled the stunning exhibition of Japanese photographer Photographer Hal, who takes portraits of people enclosed in vacuum-sealed plastic bags. Not only did chef Seppe Nobels (with vegetables) and actor Titus De Voogdt get involved for the exhibition, but the founders of IBASHO also posed in a vacuum-sealed bag for Hal (see photo below).

Beyond revealing Japanese art photography, IBASHO embodies and shares a true Japanese way of life. Their space hosts a bookstore where visitors can discover a selection of Japanese photography books, mixing contemporary and old editions. As a meeting place, IBASHO has also highlighted Japanese ceramics.

Ten years later, IBASHO has established itself as a home for Japanese photographers and a gathering place for a community of enthusiasts.

To us, IBASHO has never been just a career—it’s been a way of life, and we're excited to keep sharing that with you for as long as we can.
​— Martijn van Pieterson & Annemarie Zethof

In 2024, the duo opened a second gallery in Antwerp, IN-DEPENDANCE, dedicated to Western photography. Still faithful to the minimalist aesthetic that defines IBASHO, this new space explores other artistic sensibilities.

"LOOKING BACK: 10 YEARS OF IBASHO"

For this anniversary exhibition, van Pieterson et Zethof have put together a collection that highlights the heart and history of the gallery. It includes works from IBASHO artists or pieces from their collection that have a special place in their hearts—whether because of the story behind them, the image itself, or the emotions they stir in them.

Artists featured in the exhibition include:

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

« Looking Back: 10 Years of IBASHO »
​March 23 to May 18, 2025
​IBASHO Gallery
​Tolstraat 67, 2000 Anvers
​https://ibashogallery.com

About IBASHO

In Japanese, IBASHO means "a place where you can be yourself" It is also the name of a gallery in Antwerp dedicated to Japanese fine art photography. IBASHO highlights the richness and diversity of this photography by exhibiting works from both renowned Japanese photographers and young contemporary artists. The gallery also presents works by Western photographers inspired by Japan, creating a unique artistic dialogue.

Photography books hold a central place in Japanese visual culture. This is why IBASHO houses a specialized bookstore offering both contemporary and old photography books. The gallery also publishes its own photography books in collaboration with the Paris-based publishing house the(M) éditions.

More recently, IBASHO has expanded its artistic horizon by incorporating Japanese ceramics into its exhibitions, continuing its mission to showcase the full richness of Japanese aesthetics.

Find all the photos here

Yoshinori Mizutani, Tokyo Parrots 056, 2013 © Yoshinori MizutaniEikoh Hosoe - Kamaitachi #34, 1968 © estate of Eikoh Hosoe

Toshio Shibata, Okawa village bridge, Kochi prefecture, 2007 © Toshio Shibata

Miho Kajioka, BK0369, 2018 © Miho Kajioka

Suda - Ayame matsuri - Fushikaden, 1976 © estate of Issei SudaNaoyuki Ogino - Myth of the Womb 45, 2011 © Naoyuki Ogino

Casper Faassen, netsuke ibasho 2023 © Casper Faassen20130625_6635Toshiya Watanabe, SWNH #0422018 © Toshiya Watanabe

20130711_7080Kumi Oguro_candy, 2024 © Kumi Oguro

Daido Moriyama, a tale of two cities 4, Paris, 1989 © Daido Moriyama Foundation