#Japan #Tokyo #Fumiko Hori #Nakajima Art #Decalcomania

A Journey into Fumiko Hori’s Experimental World

Fumiko Hori, a trailblazing Japanese painter known for her ever-evolving artistic expression, is the focus of a groundbreaking exhibition titled "Fumiko Hori's Decalcomania." Scheduled to open on May 29, 2025, at Nakajima Art in Ginza, this exhibition celebrates the gallery's 30th anniversary by showcasing Hori's unique works from the 1960s, including never-before-seen pieces and illustrations from various books.

Hori, who passed away at the age of 100 in 2019, had a remarkable ability to adapt her style and explore new artistic territories throughout her life. Her decalcomania works are particularly striking among her diverse body of work. "I believed my life experiences could translate into art, and I resolved to give it a try. What had been building up inside me flowed out, allowing me to paint endlessly without fatigue," she shared in a 1965 magazine interview.

A turning point in Hori's life came in 1960 when she lost her beloved husband, which propelled her into a two-and-a-half-year journey across various countries including Egypt, Greece, Italy, France, the United States, and Mexico. Upon her return, the cultural shock rendered her temporarily unable to paint. However, she eventually discovered the technique of decalcomania, which captivated her with its spontaneous nature and allowed her to visualize inner landscapes.

Decalcomania is a method where paint is applied between two sheets of paper and pressed together, resulting in random, natural patterns that spark the viewer's imagination. Hori described her initial experience with this technique as a release of pent-up emotions, saying, "I could paint endlessly, as if whatever was inside me was flowing out."

Key works such as "Night Over Chiapas" (1966) and "The Demon King’s Mansion" (1964) were created using this technique and featured in her first solo exhibition held at Takashimaya in Nihonbashi in 1965. However, during interviews, Hori expressed doubts about the commercial viability of these decalcomania pieces, leading many of them to remain stored in her atelier for years.

The upcoming exhibition not only showcases works from her first solo exhibition but also includes unpublished pieces and illustrations used in books. Visitors will have the chance to explore a side of Fumiko Hori that has remained relatively unknown, unveiling the depth of her artistic journey.

"I am currently in a very good state, which allows me to create even more tragic art. It's interesting to think that I painted positively during my most difficult times," remarked Hori in the same 1965 interview, reflecting on her artistic evolution over decades.

Exhibition Details

• - Title: Part 1 of Nakajima Art’s 30th Anniversary Celebration - Fumiko Hori’s Decalcomania
• - Dates: May 29, 2025 - June 18, 2025
• - Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-18:30, Sat 11:00-17:00, Closed on Sundays and Holidays
• - Venue: Nakajima Art, 3rd Floor, Abe Building, 5-5-9 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (3-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Station, B3 exit)
• - Admission: Free

Hori’s works reflect a lifetime of dynamic creativity and expressive depth, making this exhibition a must-see for art lovers and a rare opportunity to appreciate her innovative approach to Japanese painting. Be part of this artistic journey that transcends time and technique, and explore the remarkable world of Fumiko Hori.

Related Event

Join us for the "Decalcomania Experience Workshop" on June 13 and 14, where participants can learn about the fascinating technique that captivated Fumiko Hori. Each session will run from 13:00 to 15:00 and is limited to six participants per day, with a fee of ¥1,500.

For further inquiries about the exhibition and workshops, feel free to contact Nakajima Art via telephone at (03-3574-6008) or email at [email protected]. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in the world of Fumiko Hori and celebrate Nakajima Art’s 30 years of dedication to the legacy of Japanese art.