Osaka native Tsuyoshi Isoe (1954-2007) was a major influence on Japanese contemporary realism painting.
After graduating from high school, Isoe moved to Spain and continued painting in oils. His work, which he created under his Spanish name Gustavo Isoe, were highly realistic and appreciated both in Spain and beyond. He was also highly acclaimed by one of Spain's most famous realistic painters, Antonio Lopez Garcia (b. 1936).
After spending around 30 years living in Europe, Isoe returned to Japan, where he took on an active role in the art world until his early death at age 53.
This is the first large-scale retrospective of Isoe's works to be held since his death, and it presents around 80 of his representative paintings as well as some 100 sketches; till Dec. 18.
Nara Prefectural Museum of Art; (0742) 23-3968; 10-6 Noborioji-cho, Nara; 5-min. walk from Kintetsu Nara Station (Exit 1), Kintetsu Nara Line. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Fri., Sat., till 7 p.m.). ¥1,000 (Nov. 19, 20, admission free). Closed Mon. www.pref.nara.jp/dd_aspx_menuid-11842.htm.