Exploring the Playful Intersection of Picasso and Paul Smith: An Art Exhibition

The National Art Center in Tokyo currently hosts an exciting exhibition titled "Picasso meets Paul Smith: An Adventure of Playfulness," which opened on June 10. The preview event, held a day earlier, featured renowned actress Matsuoka Mayu, who serves as the exhibition's ambassador and audio guide navigator, alongside Sir Paul Smith, the art director of the exhibition.

Dressed in a stunning Paul Smith outfit, Matsuoka Mayu expressed her admiration for the exhibition, stating, "This is a wonderful display that captures Picasso's diverse life changes through unique rooms directed by Paul. I felt I could truly grasp Picasso's life through the art showcased here." She particularly highlighted section 7, featuring "Harlequin Portrayed as Paolo," a display that invites visitors to feel the childlike spirit that Paul Smith treasures.

Sir Paul Smith, known for his vibrant designs, shared insights on the creative process behind the exhibition. He emphasized the curiosity and relentless pursuit of new ideas that defined Picasso's essence. According to Smith, every space in the exhibition has its own background and highlights, making it hard for him to choose a favorite room—they all resonate with him in unique ways.

As the exhibition’s subtitle suggests, "An Adventure of Playfulness," the conversation turned to what playfulness means in creativity and life. Paul Smith remarked, "In a world that often feels overwhelming, maintaining a sense of playfulness in our daily lives is vital. It’s about keeping an open-minded, childlike approach, not immaturity." Matsuoka echoed this sentiment, discussing how playfulness to her is synonymous with challenge. She noted the difficulties adults face when trying to be true to their feelings and expressed her desire to foster a spirit of playfulness by valuing her passions and embracing new challenges.

As a parting message to the audience, Matsuoka invited everyone to experience the emotional journey of the exhibition, suggesting, "The way Paul Smith reinterprets Picasso’s works is truly moving. I hope visitors enjoy following the story told through the displays. Don’t forget to look for the adorable artwork of an 'animal' that Paul has painted within the exhibition space." Sir Paul Smith added, "I hope visitors take their time exploring each piece and the relationships and learnings behind them."

About Paul Smith

Born in 1946 in Nottingham, England, Sir Paul Smith began his career as a designer after a cycling accident put an end to his competitive cycling dreams. Known for his unique blend of vibrant colors and traditional craftsmanship with a modern twist, his brand embodies the spirit he established with his first small shop in Nottingham in 1970. His philosophy of turning classic concepts on their head has become a cornerstone of his work, as demonstrated in this international touring exhibition, which draws from the major Picasso retrospective of 2023 that attracted over 200,000 visitors.

About Matsuoka Mayu

Matsuoka Mayu, born in 1995 in Tokyo, first gained attention through her role in the NHK serial drama "Amachan" in 2013. She has received accolades such as the Best Actress Award and the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 42nd Japan Academy Prize. Her notable works include films like "Inazuma of Love," "The Teeth of Deception," and "Honeybees and Distant Thunder," as well as dramas like "GEEKS" and "The Best Teacher: One Year Later, I Was Killed by My Student." She is set to appear in the musical "Dear Evan Hansen" and the Netflix series "Downtime."

Exhibition Overview

The "Picasso meets Paul Smith: An Adventure of Playfulness" exhibition features approximately 80 pieces from the 20th-century master Pablo Picasso, with sections inspired and laid out by renowned British designer Paul Smith. It reinterprets art through imaginative displays brimming with color and surprise, showcasing masterpieces such as "Portrait of a Man from the Blue Period" and "Harlequin Portrayed as Paolo." This is a unique opportunity to experience the only exhibition of its kind in Japan, based on the international exhibition from 2023 that celebrated the 50th anniversary of Picasso's death.

Exhibition Details

- Dates: June 10 (Wed) - September 21 (Mon, National Holiday), 2026
- Location: National Art Center, Tokyo, Exhibition Room 2E
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (open until 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays; last entry 30 minutes before closing)
- Closed: Every Tuesday (open on August 11, closed on August 12)
- Admission Fees: General ¥2,400, University Students ¥1,400, High School Students ¥1,000, Free for Elementary and Junior High Students (Free entry for high school students from July 29-31 with proof of student ID)
- Contact: 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial)
- Official Website: National Art Center