WABI-SABI by Damien Drew

Wabi-Sabi is loosely translated as the contemplation of the transient, understated beauty of the modest, imperfect, ephemeral or decaying. Drew’s exhibition expresses this notion through his unique perspective of modern day Japan. He carefully observes the melancholy beauty of the many towns and villages that have now become neglected and invites the viewer to consider beauty in the impermanence of all things, capturing and contrasting scenes and details that may be inconspicuous or overlooked.

Shinkoiwa, Tokyo. © Damien Drew.
Shinkoiwa, Tokyo. © Damien Drew.

Drew is also an award-winning Art Director and Production Designer whose film credits include Alien Covenant, Superman Returns, Star Wars, The Great Gatsby and The Matrix films.

“We love things that bear the marks of grime, soot, and weather, and we love the colours and the sheen that call to mind the past that made them.”
From Tanizaki, ‘In Praise of Shadows’ 1933.

Gallery hours Tues-Sunday 10am-6pm.

Kasama, Ibaraki. © Damien Drew.
Kasama, Ibaraki. © Damien Drew.
Asagya, Tokyo. © Damien Drew.
Asagya, Tokyo. © Damien Drew.
Shima Onsen Gunma. © Damien Drew.
Shima Onsen Gunma. © Damien Drew.
Shima Onsen 2 Gunma. © Damien Drew.
Shima Onsen 2 Gunma. © Damien Drew.
Mito Ibaraki. © Damien Drew.
Mito Ibaraki. © Damien Drew.

Upcoming Events Submit an Event

April

Canberra: 27 Feb until 20 July 2025. The National Library has invited renowned Australian photojournalist Mike Bowers to select some of his favourite images from the Fairfax Photo Archive.

Sydney: Until 31 Dec 2025. PIX, Australia’s first pictorial news weekly, is brought to life in this exhibition, showcasing its archived images and stories for the very first time.

May

Sydney: 15 May – 19 October. Showcasing 100 incredible images, this remarkable exhibition offers a window into the astonishing variety of life on our planet – and the critical importance of preserving it.

Perth: From 31 May – 28 Sept 2025. Featuring 85 works from three major series – Deep Springs, Overpass, and Cross Country – the exhibition spans twelve years of Contis’s evolving photographic practice.

June

Melbourne: June 5 - 16 August 2025. The explore the history of Alan Adler's photobooths and their cultural significance, alongside visual stories told by the community.

Adelaide: 7 June – 16 August. Drawn from the National Portrait Gallery collection, this photographic exhibition captures the experience of lives lived through dance.

Melbourne: 7 June – 31 August. Protest is a Creative Act seeks to address issues around the body, sexuality, race, national identity and the environment.

July

Canberra: 17 July – 9 August. The Canberra Contemporary Photographic Prize is an exhibition and competition celebrating both emerging and established talents in photo media.

Brisbane: 19 July – 17 August. Presenting the results of the 2025 World Press Photo Contest, the annual exhibition showcases the best and most important photojournalism and documentary photography of the last year.