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Art Topics
Openings outside Tokyo Aug 30, 2012
"Japanese Traditional Painting: Materials, Forms, Themes" (Painting)
by Tomohiro Osaki
In an exhibition aimed at generating more public interest in traditional Japanese paintings, the Nara Prefectural Museum of Art is showcasing medieval and modern works from its own collection. In a slightly didactic approach, the show offers basic knowledge of the materials, style and ...
Openings outside Tokyo Aug 23, 2012
"Masterpieces from the Permanent Collection II: A Close Look at Private Art Schools of Kyoto"
by Tomohiro Osaki
Gajuku, art schools for painters in Japan, played a vital role in the cultivation of Kyoto’s modern art industry. Some gajuku were run privately by experienced painters, while others served as places where highly motivated, like-minded artists could get together and practice their skills. ...
Openings outside Tokyo Aug 16, 2012
"The Yayoi Period: Analyzing its Culture Through Agricultural Tools"
by Tomohiro Osaki
The Yayoi Period (about 300 B.C.-A.D. 300) was Japan’s Iron Age, an era when agricultural techniques significantly progressed. During that time, farming expertise, much influenced by the introduction of irrigated rice farming from Korea, flourished in the Kyushu region. From there, techniques quickly spread ...
Openings outside Tokyo Aug 9, 2012
"30th Anniversary Temporary Exhibition: Blue-and-White Ware of the Joseon Dynasty" (Ware)
by Tomohiro Osaki
One of the most important times in the history of Korean blue-and-white porcelain ware was during the 518-year reign of the Joseon Dynasty. The strong influence of Confucianism at that time persuaded the public to lead more frugal lifestyles, which led many to view ...
Openings outside Tokyo Aug 2, 2012
"Mary Blair: A Life's Choice, A Mother's Job, from Studio Ghibli Collection"
by Tomohiro Osaki
Mary Blair (1911-1978) is probably best remembered for her work for the Walt Disney Studios. She is known to have influenced the blockbuster animations “Cinderella,” “Alice In Wonderland” and “Peter Pan.” After leaving Disney, Blair continued to work as a graphic designer and illustrator. ...
Openings outside Tokyo Aug 2, 2012
"The Grand Izumo Exhibition"
by Han Zhang
The Kyoto National Museum is commemorating the 1,300th anniversary of the Kojiki, the oldest chronicle in Japan, as well as next year’s grand installation ceremony of Shimane Prefecture’s Izumo Taisha, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. Myths from Izumo Province were recorded ...
Openings outside Tokyo Jul 26, 2012
"Pearls: Jewels from the Sea — Commemorating 40 Years of Friendship between Qatar and Japan"
by Tomohiro Osaki
As a symbol of its strong relationship with Japan, Qatar donated $100 million in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake last year. With diplomatic relations between the two countries marking its 40th anniversary this year, this exhibition is part of a series of ...
Openings outside Tokyo Jul 26, 2012
"The Wonderful Life of Wasps and Bees"
by Tomohiro Osaki
Out of more than 130,000 species of insects, bees and wasps are believed to be the most advanced and prosperous due to their diverse lifestyles. They exhibit remarkable sociability, which can be observed in their highly sophisticated communication skills, and display other intricate behaviors, ...
Openings outside Tokyo Jul 19, 2012
"Portrait Of Celebrity: The Vision Of Kevin Westenberg"
by Tomohiro Osaki
Kevin Westenberg has been photographing celebrities for more than 25 years, taking the portraits of many major stars including The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and Madonna. His photography brings an aura of grandeur to his subjects while often revealing an unexpected side to them. ...
Openings outside Tokyo Jul 12, 2012
"Hair Accessories and Makeup Sets Fabulous Fashion"
by Tomohiro Osaki
Kushi (combs), kanzashi and kōgai (types of hairpins) are three key accessories that Japanese women traditionally wore to decorate their hair. After the Edo Period (1603-1867), these three items became even more popular as young women began to loop and tie their hair into ...
Openings outside Tokyo Jul 5, 2012
"Invitation to the Monster World: Tales from Mythic Past"
by Tomohiro Osaki
When it comes to mythical monsters, our wild imaginations often envision human-animal hybrids involving intimidating creatures such as lions, snakes and eagles. Such creatures served as inspiration for folk tales and artwork worldwide. Some of these beasts were seen as gods to be worshiped ...
Openings outside Tokyo Jun 28, 2012
"Circus Circus — Welcome to the World of Dream !"
by Kai Harada
Kids used to dream of running away with the circus, drawn by the acrobats, animals and clowns, the bright costumes and traveling lifestyle. All that imagery is still associated with fun, even though there are few circuses in existence today. “Circus Circus” brings together ...