An exhibition of paintings of Japan at the John Martin Gallery in London from 8-31st October 2026.

“Two Seasons in Japan fulfils a long-held ambition to paint the gardens and landscapes of Japan. Visiting over twenty locations during the autumn of 2025 and returning for a second visit in the spring of 2026, Hamel immersed himself in the country’s extraordinary range of environments — from formal gardens to the remoter island landscapes and mountains.

His experience working in public spaces during Thirty Gardens proved invaluable. Painting at an easel amidst large crowds in Japan’s most visited gardens demanded both patience and focus. At the same time, his earlier garden studies enabled him to find unexpected parallels between the composed artistry of Japanese gardens and the wilder, elemental nature of Japan’s countryside and coastline.

The resulting body of work reflects not only the contrast between autumn and spring, but also a dialogue between cultivation and wilderness — atmosphere, light and season remaining central to Hamel’s vision.”

John Martin.