The Kumagai Morikazu Museum, located in Toshima City, is gearing up for a special exhibition titled "Kumagai Morikazu Museum 41st Anniversary Exhibition: Morikazu and His Hometown," which will run from April 14 to June 28, 2023. This exhibition aims to delve into the deep connection between the artist, Kumagai Morikazu, and his hometown, Tsukechi, where he spent significant formative years that influenced his work.
Kumagai Morikazu, born in 1880 in Tsukechi Village (currently Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture), moved away during his childhood, resulting in a tenuous link to his homeland. However, he returned to Tsukechi for about five years in his thirties, which left a substantial mark on his artistic journey. The rich natural beauty of the mountainous landscape became an essential source of inspiration for him. His earlier years in Tsukechi shaped his perspective and enhanced his sharp observational skills, which would resonate in his later works.
During the exhibition, visitors can admire paintings created during Morikazu's thirties, including his notable work titled "Horse," as well as landscapes capturing Tsukechi and its surroundings. Additionally, attendees can explore pieces depicting the flora and fauna of his garden at home, which gained popularity in his later years. The exhibition will also feature valuable artworks and documents related to Morikazu and Tsukechi, primarily sourced from the newly established Kumagai Morikazu Tsukechi Memorial Museum, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year. This presentation is an opportunity to witness the essence of Tsukechi through Morikazu’s eyes.
A representative from the museum expressed, "The years Kumagai Morikazu spent in his hometown during his thirties were pivotal in nurturing his acute observational skills and sense of perspective, which are evident in his later works. We hope this exhibition allows visitors to appreciate the profound connection between Morikazu and Tsukechi."
Exhibition Details
- - Dates: April 14 (Tuesday) to June 28 (Sunday). Closed on Mondays (including holidays).
- - Hours: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM (last admission at 5 PM).
- - Location: Kumagai Morikazu Museum, 2-27-6 Chihaya, Toshima City.
- - Admission Fees: 700 yen for adults, 300 yen for high school and university students, 100 yen for elementary and junior high students. Free for children under elementary school age.
- A reduced rate of 600 yen for general visitors residing or working in Toshima upon proof.
- For group visits (15 or more), advance contact is required.
- Discounts are available for those presenting disability certificates. Further details can be found on the official website.
Main Organizer
Kumagai Morikazu Museum
Official Website and Social Media
Kumagai Morikazu (1880-1977) was an artist who lived through two major eras in Japan, from the Meiji to the Showa periods. Initially, he embraced an academic style, yet his interests in music and machinery led him to explore the structures of color and form in painting. With support from peers and a well-equipped home studio, Morikazu gradually evolved his style. By his seventies, he had established the distinctive "Morikazu Style," characterized by simplified colors and clear outlines. This evolution in his artistic journey reflects a profound connection with his surroundings and showcases the expressive capabilities of his art.
This exhibition stands as a testament to the lasting bond between Kumagai Morikazu, his art, and his birthplace, promising an enriching experience for all art lovers and visitors alike.