Japanese Paintings of Modern Osaka

The First Major Exhibition of Modern Japanese Paintings of Naniwa is Coming to Tokyo!

Osaka, which developed as a city of commerce and industry, formed a unique cultural sphere distinct from those of Tokyo and Kyoto, and has produced highly individualistic and outstanding works of art. Supported by the culture of its citizens, modern Osaka's art, while following a trend that dates back to the Edo period, has flourished with a free and vigorous expression that is not bound by tradition. This exhibition brings together more than 50 talented painters active in modern Osaka between Meiji to Showa era, including Kitano Tsunetomi, who was popular for his bewitching and wanton style and was derided as a "devil school" painter, and Shima Seien, a pioneer of women painters in Osaka who was also admired alongside Shoen Uemura. This is the first major exhibition of Japanese painting from Osaka, whose uniqueness has been hidden in the shadows of the Tokyo and Kyoto art worlds.

1　First Ever Exhibition of Japanese Paintings of Modern Osaka *

This exhibition, which highlights Japanese paintings created in Osaka between Meiji and early Showa era, features approximately 150 works from the collection of the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka, which was acquired over many years, as well as superior works from all over Japan.
(Some exhibits may be changed during the exhibition period.)
*This exhibition is a traveling exhibition of "First Anniversary Special Exhibition: Japanese Paintings of Modern Osaka" held at Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka (Jan. 21 - Apr. 2).

2　More Than 50 Dynamic and Unique Painters Are Gathered!

This exhibition includes important artists such as Kitano Tsunetomi (1880-1947) who depicted Naniwa women, Shima Seien (1892-1970) who paved the way for women painters, Suga Tatehiko (1878-1963) who humorously depicted Osaka culture, Yano Kyoson (1890-1965) who led a new style of Nanga, and Nakamura Teii (1900-1982) who incorporated a modern sensibility into his portrayals of women. The individuality nurtured in the city of Osaka enlivens the exhibition room.

3　It Offers an Opportunity to Revalue Osaka Culture!

Many of the painters featured in this exhibition moved to Osaka to pursue their success. This exhibition will explore what type of paintings the people in Osaka of the time desired, and why the painters were attracted to Osaka, while also focusing on the background that led to the creation of works that are uniquely Osaka.

Sections

1. Section 1 / Depicting People: Kitano Tsunetomi and His Pupils
2. Section 2 / Depicting Culture: Suga Tatehiko and Ikuta Kacho
3. Section 3 / New Approaches to Traditional Landscape: Yano Kyoson and Shin-Nanga
4. Section 4 / Literati Painting: Chinese Influences in the Urban Culture
5. Section 5 / Semba Style: Art in the Alcoves of Marchant Homes
6. Section 6 / New Stylistic Explorations and the Emergence of Women Painters