All photos © Hiroshi Watanabe, courtesy of Catherine Edelman Gallery

Three images from photographer Hiroshi Watanabe’s series, “Suo Sarumawashi” (“monkey dancing”)  on view at the Catherine Edelman Gallery in Chicago through October 31. One of Japan’s oldest art forms, monkey dancing features acrobatic stunts, comedic skits and dances performed by trained macaque monkeys. In its 1,000-year history, monkey dancing evolved from a religious ritual to a form of entertainment performed on the streets of Japan.

Above: “Fukunosuke, Suo Sarumawashi” (2008)

“Big with Monkey Doll, Suo Sarumawashi” (2008)

“Aikichi, Suo Sarumawashi” ” (2008)

The gallery is also exhibiting Watanabe'”Kabuki Series” and a group of landscapes titled “Findings.”