March 3-15
During the postwar era, many social welfare establishments were created in Shiga Prefecture, including the child welfare facility Omi Gakuen, which was founded by Kazuo Itoga, Ichiji Tamura and Taro Ikeda in 1946. One of the then-unique activities of Omi Gaukuen was the use of craft therapy, which without the usual rules or restrictions of an art education gave participants total freedom of expression.
Now often termed as "art brut," or raw art, these artworks have recently garnered the attention of critics, with various exhibitions showcasing such works in well-known museums. Shiga-based artist Shinichi Sawada's clay works, for example, have been included in shows internationally.
This is the first time for The Museum of Modern Art in Shiga to feature art brut from Shiga in a large-scale show.
The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga; 1740-1 Seta-Minamiogaya-cho, Otsu, Shiga. Seta Stn. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Closed Mon. 077-543-2111; www.shiga-kinbi.jp