Ueno Royal Museum Solo Exhibition September 2019 [2nd Term] Report

2019-10-09

The curtain came to an end while it was very popularFirst semesterContinuing from that, solo exhibitions by 1 popular artist and 1 art team were held simultaneously in the second half. Over 3,000 visitors visited during the three-day exhibition period, and we recorded an outstanding number of people mobilized among domestic and international solo exhibitions that our corporation has worked on in the past.

Masakata Ushita Solo Exhibition “From What's Made to What's Made” (1F) /KIRIE “3D Ukiyo-e Exhibition -Nature of Women-” (2F)
‍■ Date: 2019/9/7 (Sat) -9 (Mon)/KIRIE solo exhibition 7 (Sat) to 8 (Sun) AM 10:00 to 5:00 PM
■ Venue: Ueno Royal Museum Main Building 1-2 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007
■ Operated by: Japan Promotion Association
■ Total number of visitors: 3,083

Masakata Ushita solo exhibition “From what is made to what is made”

A large panel using the main visual is displayed at the entrance

On the first floor, we will introduce paintings by artist Masakata Hage with a number of mysterious symbols of life scattered on paper. Mr. Hage, who works as a potter and painter, uses simple art materials such as pen and paper to pursue what humans should be through imagination drawn from his own deep thoughts.
Mr. Hage's works, which express an overview of life, the spiritual world, and the universe, deeply fascinated many visitors regardless of generation or nationality.

Colourful works, mainly new works, adorned the corridor

Several large works are displayed, creating an impressive exhibition space

The appearance of people getting close to the work and appreciating it carefully stood out

Visitors' Voices

・I was fascinated by the creative style and the dynamic yet delicate motifs.
・I'm glad I was able to find wonderful works with free admission. “Making the Most of Your Individuality” resonated with my heart and made me feel indescribable, so I casually came and stopped by. I also draw pictures, so I was inspired.
・I was amazed by Professor Hage's energy and imagination. There were only works that made me want to take a peek inside my head.
・I was drawn into a mysterious world. I felt that the colors used were traditional Japanese colors.
・It was a style I really liked! When I thought it was Japanese painting, I was surprised to learn that they were doing ceramics.
・I felt the inside of my brain being disturbed, and I was excited to watch it. I'm looking forward to future activities.
・There was something in “Life and Death (Flower in the Sky)” that came all the way to my heart.
・I was impressed by the use of colors, motifs, and all of the themes!
・My heart was shaken by the unprecedented unique expression. The title of the work is also innovative!
・I felt the state of mind, even though they each had different vibes, such as “I am me and I'm not me” and “Strange Illusion.”

There is also a scene where Mr. Hage himself explains his work to friends who have visited

Many warm messages about Mr. Hage's work and personality were received in the questionnaire

KIRIE “3D Ukiyo-e Exhibition -Nature of Women-”

Visual panels showing the world view of the exhibition adorn the entrance

On the 2nd floor, an installation exhibition was held by “KIRIE,” a Japanese art team active both domestically and internationally in various genres, such as stage performances at large-scale festivals, space production, and fashion product design.

In this exhibition, female artists active on the world stage gathered and expressed “Nature of Women (Nature of Women)” using various methods using Ukiyo-e beauty paintings as motifs. A stage where dancers with body paintings with classical Kyoto patterns danced to live music, and a braided installation in collaboration between a knotter and a pole dancer were shown, and thank goodness was recorded for each session.

An exhibition work combining calligraphy and ukiyo-e on the theme of love by calligrapher Miho

Shunga and candle works by wax artist Rie Hirayama were exhibited in the darkroom

The dancers who performed “Kirie” performed a contemporary dance

Pole dancer Kozue dances on a stage created by knotter Yoshii Darea

A video summarizing the exhibition has been produced and shown on Youtube.
Play it and be sure to experience the realism of the performance!

By interlacing pictures, calligraphy, modeling, and physical expression to create KIRIE's unique, glossy and beautiful worldview, this exhibition brought fresh emotion and an unforgettable art experience to many visitors.

As the Tokyo Olympics are finally approaching next year, Japan is receiving more and more international attention. At Japan Promotion, we will continue a wide range of initiatives, from planning to operation, production, and PR work, to strongly support the activities of Japanese artists in various places both domestically and internationally.

Consultations and requests for materials regarding exhibitions and consignment sales are being accepted at any time

Please contact us using the form below or via the “Contact Us” email form. The person in charge will reply to you shortly.
◎ Address: Japan Promotion Association
◎ Address: 4th Floor, Ebina Building, 6-18-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
◎ Telephone: 03-5766-2450/Fax: 03-5766-2451
◎ Email: info@japanpromotion.org

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