PRESS

Shumei Hall Exhibition
Journey to the Cosmos
EXHIBITION:JOURNEY TO THE    COSMOS

March 2 - April 30, 2025    10am-5pm

Shumei Hall: 2430 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107

Opening Lecture & Artist Reception: Sunday, March 2 at 2pm

Lecture: "Shintoism unravels the Mysteries of the Universe" by Atsushi Fujimaki

photo
Cultural News
Press Release: Journey to the Cosmos
"Rosette Nebula"
"Journey to the Cosmos" Exhibition Showcases the Stellar Photography of Keiko Yamasaki at Shumei Art in Pasadena from March 2 through April 30
Rosette Nebula seen from Joshua Tree National Park on Dec. 12, 2023. Copyright by Keiko Yamasaki. (Courtesy of the photographer) PASADENA, Calif. – A captivating photography exhibition, Journey to the Cosmos, will open on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Shumei Art Council in Pasadena, California. The exhibition, located at 2430 East Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107, will run until April 30, 2025, offering visitors a mesmerizing glimpse into the wonders of the universe through the lens of Keiko Yamasaki. The event will kick off with an opening lecture and reception at 2:00 p.m. on March 2, featuring Atsushi Fujimaki, who will present “Shintoism Unravels the Mysteries of the Universe.” The exhibition will be open to the public from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A Journey from Software Engineering to the Stars

Born and raised in Japan, Yamasaki spent her childhood summers in the Japanese Alps, where she developed a deep appreciation for nature. After moving to the U.S. with her husband, she pursued a career as a software engineer in San Diego. However, in 2014, health concerns prompted her to retire, leading her to discover a new passion—photography. Under the mentorship of Donna Cosentino at Palomar College, Yamasaki honed her craft and later became a member of The Photographer’s Eye Collective Gallery. Based in Temecula, California, she is an active member of the Inland Empire Photo Club and serves as a photographer for the San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society, with her work featured in the organization’s publications.

Capturing the Cosmos

Yamasaki’s astrophotography journey began seven years ago as an extension of her landscape photography. Using a DSLR camera and long lens, she initially captured nebulae and galaxies but soon sought greater precision. The appearance of the Green Comet in 2023 sparked her interest in telescope imaging, leading her to purchase a astro camera and computer. This technology now allows her to capture breathtaking celestial phenomena with remarkable clarity. A member of the Temecula Valley Astronomers Club, Yamasaki frequently participates in star parties, where she shares her passion for the night sky with fellow enthusiasts and the public. Her love for astronomy stems from cherished childhood memories of stargazing with her mother in the rice fields of Japan—an experience that continues to inspire her work.

A Passion for Exploration

Beyond her astrophotography, Yamasaki is an avid traveler. Her journeys have taken her across Europe, the Middle East, and the Japanese Alps, nurturing her appreciation for diverse landscapes and cultures. One of her photographs was featured in Through the Lens, a book celebrating 50 years of the Anza-Borrego Desert Foundation. Through her stunning celestial imagery, Yamasaki invites the public to reflect on the vastness of the universe and the deep connections we share with it.

Rafu Shimpo
February 21, 2025
Rafu Shimpo - Keiko Article_Page_11.jpg
Page 11 from the Rafu Shimpo Japanese American Community Newspaper. February 21, 2025. Article on Keiko Yamasaki's exhibition " Journey to the Cosmos"

Japanese Translation 

山崎恵子が天体写真展を開催 パサデナで「Journey to the Cosmos（宇宙への旅）」 写真家・山崎恵子さんは現在、パサデナ仏教会内にあるジャパン・ファウンデーション・ロサンゼルス（JFLA）のサテライトギャラリーにて、天体写真展「Journey to the Cosmos（宇宙への旅）」を開催しています。本展では、アメリカ南西部の澄んだ夜空で撮影された星雲や銀河などの天体写真が展示されています。 日本出身の山崎さんは、長年にわたり宇宙の神秘に魅了されてきました。写真への情熱は天文学への関心とともに深まり、やがてレンズを通して宇宙の美しさを捉えるようになりました。彼女の作品は、芸術的な感性と科学的な好奇心を融合させたもので、観る人を宇宙へのユニークなビジュアル・ジャーニーへと誘います。 展示作品は、特殊な望遠鏡機材と長時間露光の技術を用いて撮影されており、深宇宙の天体がもつ鮮やかな色彩と繊細な構造を見事に描き出しています。バラ星雲やオリオン星雲など、見る者を圧倒する美しい天体写真が並びます。 「これらの写真を通して、人々が宇宙への驚きとつながりを感じてくれたら嬉しいです」と山崎さんは語ります。「星空を見上げるたびに、私は心の平安と広い視野を取り戻します。」 この展示は3月14日まで公開されており、入場は無料です。また、山崎さんによるギャラリートークと質疑応答のイベントも予定されており、作品制作の過程やインスピレーションについて直接話を聞くことができます。

English Translation

Keiko Yamasaki Holds Astrophotography Exhibit “Journey to the Cosmos” in Pasadena Photographer Keiko Yamasaki is currently holding an astrophotography exhibit titled “Journey to the Cosmos” at the Japan Foundation Los Angeles (JFLA) satellite gallery located inside the Pasadena Buddhist Temple. The exhibition showcases images of celestial bodies, including nebulae and galaxies, taken from the clear night skies of the American Southwest. Yamasaki, originally from Japan, has long been fascinated by the mysteries of the universe. Her passion for photography grew alongside her interest in astronomy, leading her to capture the beauty of space through her lens. In her work, she blends artistic sensitivity with scientific curiosity, offering a unique visual journey into the cosmos. The exhibit features photographs taken using specialized telescopic equipment and long exposure techniques, revealing the vibrant colors and intricate structures of deep-space objects. Visitors can see stunning images of nebulae like the Rosette Nebula and the Orion Nebula, among others. “I hope people feel a sense of wonder and connection to the universe when they see these images,” said Yamasaki. “Looking up at the stars always gives me a sense of peace and perspective.” The exhibit will be on view through March 14, and admission is free. Yamasaki will also host a gallery talk and Q&A session for those interested in learning more about her process and inspiration.