Fukuoka Prefecture's art industry rapidly prospered during the 1950s-60s with the rise of Group Kyushu, a highly experimental and controversial artists' group. From the 1970s, however, an artistic stagnancy prevailed, and the generation of artists that emerged after the "golden period" struggled to make their names known.

Such artists sought new ways to present their ideas, often collaborating with others from outside the prefecture or overseas. The inter-prefectural and international communication between artists that developed has since influenced and characterized Fukuoka's contemporary art.

This exhibition features 85 artists, presenting 130 works split between two of Fukuoka's art museums; Jan. 5-Feb. 11.

Fukuoka Art Museum; (092) 714-6051; 1-6 Ohori-Koen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka; Ohori-Koen Station, Kuko Line. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. ¥1,200. Closed Mon. Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art; (092) 715-35515-2-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka; Tenjin Station, Nanakuma Line. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Mon. ¥1,200 (includes admission to both museums). www.fukuoka-art-museum.jp; fpmahs1.fpart-unet.ocn.ne.jp.