#Japan #Nerima #Modern Art #Neiraku Art Museum #Art and Society

Dive into the Fascinating World of Modern Art

The Neiraku Art Museum, located in Nerima, Tokyo, is set to host an enlightening lecture series titled "Art and Society (Series II): Modern Art," commencing from September 2025 through February 2026. This initiative aims to explore the intricate relationships between art and the social contexts that foster creativity, focusing on period from the 18th century to the early 20th century, covering both Western and Japanese art movements.

This lecture series follows the successful first series themed on contemporary art and consists of five thought-provoking sessions featuring leading experts in the field of art. The series presents a unique opportunity to examine how modern art reflects and influences societal changes throughout history.

Lecture Lineup

First Session: "Women in French Modern Art—Artists and Workers"

• - Date: September 20, Saturday, 14:00–15:30
• - Speaker: Akiko Mabuchi (Former Director of the National Museum of Western Art)
• - Venue: Sunlife Nerima, 3rd Floor Training Room
• - Registration Period: August 1 – September 5

In the context of post-revolutionary France, the 19th century saw a dramatic expansion in the roles of women in the arts. This session will unveil the contrasting experiences of celebrated female artists and the less fortunate women who worked as performers or vendors, often subjected to exploitation. Participants will have the chance to engage with artworks that both portray and are created by women, enriching their understanding of gender dynamics in art.

Second Session: "The Birth of Japanese Painting"

• - Date: October 25, Saturday, 14:00–15:30
• - Speaker: Michinobu Sato (Art Historian)
• - Venue: Sunlife Nerima, 3rd Floor Training Room
• - Registration Period: September 2 – October 10

This session will delve into the origins of modern Japanese painting, exploring how it emerged and evolved amidst societal transformations.

Third Session: "Asian Artists in Paris—A Study from 1920 to 1940"

• - Date: November 29, Saturday, 14:00–15:30
• - Speaker: Shigemi Inaga (Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies Researcher)
• - Venue: Shakujii Park Community Exchange Center, 3rd Floor Conference Room
• - Registration Period: October 15 – November 14

This talk will address the contributions of Asian artists living and working in Paris during the interwar period, shedding light on their influence on the art scene.

Fourth Session: "Modern Japan and Artists"

• - Date: February 7, 2026, Saturday, 14:00–15:30
• - Speaker: Masaaki Ozaki (Art Historian)
• - Venue: Nerima Citizen and Industry Plaza, 3rd Floor Coconeri Hall
• - Registration Period: November 26 – December 26

Ozaki will discuss the relationship between modern Japanese culture and its artists, tracing how their works responded to contemporary societal needs.

Fifth Session: "Modern Art and Society—Insights from Western Modern Painting"

• - Date: February 11, 2026, Wednesday, 14:00–15:30
• - Speaker: Atsushi Miura (Director of Ohara Museum of Art)
• - Venue: Nerima Citizen and Industry Plaza, 3rd Floor Coconeri Hall
• - Registration Period: November 26 – December 26

Miura will provide perspectives from Western modern paintings, dissecting how they reveal societal trends and transformations.

Attendance Details

• - Participation Fee: ¥1,000 (cash payment only)
• - Target Audience: Middle school students and above
• - Capacity: 70-130 seats per session, varying by venue
• - Registration Requirement: Pre-registration and lottery selection required
• - Organizer: Neiraku Art Museum (Nerima Cultural Promotion Association)

For registration details and further information, please visit the Neiraku Art Museum’s website.

This series offers a remarkable platform for participants to engage with leading experts and gain insights into the vibrant interplay of modern art and societal developments. Don’t miss out on this educational journey through the world of art and its profound societal connections.