#Japan #Itabashi Art Museum #Surrealism #Hasegawa Toshiyuki #Itabashi, Tokyo

Tokyo's Artistic Landscapes: A Journey Through Time at Itabashi Art Museum

The Itabashi Art Museum is set to unveil an engaging exhibition titled "Perspectives on the Landscapes of the Time" from April 26 to June 15, 2025. This special display invites visitors to reflect on the significant transformations in Tokyo's scenery amidst the Taisho era, the turbulent wartime period, and subsequent post-war societal changes.

As Japan witnessed a rapid evolution from the Taisho era through the tumultuous years of World War II and into the post-war rebirth, the uniqueness of Tokyo's urban landscape is vividly captured by various artists. The exhibit not only showcases artworks portraying realistic vistas but also incorporates influences from surrealism, where artists creatively envisioned landscapes that juxtapose reality and imagination, reflecting their personal perspectives on the shifting environments around them.

Featured prominently in this exhibition are pieces from the museum's collection, along with artworks on loan, representing key landscapes that symbolize these transformative times. The exhibition opens with the striking works of Hasegawa Toshiyuki, who documented the lively ambiance of 1930s Tokyo, capturing the vibrancy of urban culture in districts like Ginza and Shinjuku. However, by the time of his passing in 1940, Tokyo’s streets began to reflect military influences, mirroring the country's shift into an era of total war.

In light of increasing restrictions on outdoor sketching imposed because of militarization, the landscapes influenced by surrealism during this time reveal the artists' yearning for escape from their reality. These artworks encapsulate a mixture of personal longing and societal commentary, providing insight into the complex emotional landscape of Japanese artists living through such transformative moments in history. Post-war, artists continued to depict the evolving landscapes of Japan, exposing the societal issues littered within the fabric of rapid reconstruction and growth.

To complement the exhibition, a special focus on the artists’ own perspectives will feature self-portraits and personal reflections, showcasing how these creators viewed their own journeys amidst the flux of their time. The intertwining narratives of personal expression and collective memory seen through these landscapes create a powerful testament to the resilience and evolving dialogue between art and society.

Event Schedule and Additional Information

The exhibition is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admissions at 4:30 PM. The museum will be closed on Mondays, though it will remain open on May 5 and 6 due to public holidays. Admission to the exhibition is free, extending an invitation to art lovers and community members alike to engage with these historical narratives.

In addition to the main exhibition, several related events will take place:
1. Lecture: "Hasegawa Toshiyuki in the 1930s: Wandering the Sumida Riverbank" - Scheduled for April 26 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, led by art historian Mikio Harada. No prior reservation needed, but space is limited to the first 60 attendees.
2. Art Course: "Exploring and Discovering Landscape Painting" - Happening on May 10 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, led by museum curator Tomoko Hironaka. A pre-registration fee of 500 yen is required, with reservations beginning on April 26 at 9:00 AM by calling the museum directly.
3. Gallery Talks: On May 3 and May 17 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, visitors can engage freely in discussions with museum staff about the exhibited works.

Through this exhibition, the Itabashi Art Museum continues to foster an appreciation for historical art while encouraging dialogue about the impact of time on the landscapes we inhabit. Don’t miss the chance to delve into the reflections of a bygone era as conveyed through the vital medium of art.