Renowned photographer Hans Silvester has established himself as perhaps the most prolific photography book seller on the planet, with his photographic images appearing in the most unexpected and unusual places around the world. The master photographer's dedication to exhibiting his work has led to an unprecedented global presence, with installations spanning from French museums to Japanese gardens and beyond.
Two weeks ago, Silvester presented his latest masterpiece at the prestigious Puyricard Agar Museum in Cavaillon, designed by Renard Pâle editions. What many expected to be another traditional book from the master photographer turned out to be something far more extraordinary. The presentation revealed a marvelous original work of art, produced in an extremely limited edition of only 30 copies, featuring Silvester's emblematic images created in Japan in 1968 alongside eternal Haikus.
This exceptional piece showcases a sophisticated and ingenious design concept. Each work features an original photograph displayed in a perfectly finished black shadow box frame. Behind the frame, accessed through a discreet trapdoor hidden from the picture rail, lies a magically bound book that opens on one side to reveal the Japanese version and on the other side to display the French version. The two versions are cleverly nested on the same images, creating magical tabs that enhance the viewing experience.
The artistic value is further elevated by authentic seals created by Japanese masters and texts calligraphed by another renowned master, immersing viewers in an exceptional universe of instinctive poetry. According to multiple accounts, the Arlaten Museums' pétanque exhibition, associated with the Rencontres d'Arles 2024, provided the finest showcase for this vintage collection.
Silvester's work has continued to proliferate throughout 2025, with exhibitions spawning in various locations when not traveling to new destinations. His photographs have found their way to the Municipal Museum of the City of Marseille, and were installed in Pertuis during the summer. Most recently, his work opened last Friday at the Les Amies Rouges bookstore in Paris.
The photographer's diverse portfolio has found unique exhibition spaces across France and beyond. His graphic constructions, fences, and wooden houses from the Omo Valley were displayed in Nasbinals square for PhotAubrac, while his chicken series was exhibited in the botanical gardens of Aubrac. The extensive series of scarecrows, presented in various configurations, can be found in numerous outdoor spaces, from Peter Fischer's vineyards in Jouque to the gardens of Villa Simone de Six Fours and Rimoulès.
International recognition has also grown, with his Japan series currently displayed in Brittany, in Daoulas. His "flower children" series, which received high appreciation at this year's Japanese Kyotography festival, is now installed at Librairie Le Bleuet in Banon. The list of exhibition locations continues to expand, encompassing mythical places, municipal gardens, and natural spaces that Silvester particularly appreciates.
When meeting with Hans Silvester, one discovers he is constantly in demand, always expected somewhere the following day for exhibition openings or book signings built around his works. The secret to his success lies in the fundamental quality of his photography – every aspect demonstrates excellence. His images tell compelling stories that interest, question, and move audiences, ensuring that the public never tires of exploring his diverse body of work and remains eager to discover any new series he releases. As photography critic Thierry Maindrault notes, good photography naturally imposes its seduction, explaining Silvester's enduring global appeal and the continuous expansion of his exhibition presence worldwide.
