A Grand Exhibition Featuring Around 150 Works, from Masterpieces to Early Treasures

Maurits Cornelis Escher, a printmaker who created numerous unique "trompe-l'oeil" works. His intricate, mathematical pieces, created before the advent of computers, have influenced mathematicians, architects, and creators across various fields, and continue to captivate many to this day.

The essence of Escher's art lies in his "impossible worlds," represented by depictions of impossible architecture and endlessly transforming patterns. The exhibition includes masterpieces such as "Relativity" (1953) and "Waterfall" (1961), which depict scenes that seem plausible yet are impossible in reality, alongside his early works and original drawings, totaling about 150 pieces. Visitors can also view works from Escher's early period, which focused on himself, his family, and those close to him.

One of the highlights is "Metamorphosis II," created by Escher between 1939 and 1940. This monumental work, considered the pinnacle of Escher's art, begins with the letters "METAMORPHOSE," repeats geometric patterns, transforms into trompe-l'oeil illusions, and eventually returns to the initial letters. The exhibition will showcase a precious first edition of this print.

All the works exhibited here are from the collection of the Israel Museum, home to one of the world's largest Escher collections. These are treasured pieces not even on permanent display at the museum. Don't miss this rare exhibition, which offers an opportunity to re-appreciate Escher's achievements as an artist who remained dedicated to "printmaking" in our digital age.



《Relativity, 1953》
All M.C. Escher works © the M.C. Escher Company B.V. -Baarn -the Netherlands. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.mcescher.com




《Self-Portrait with a Hat, 1920》
All M.C. Escher works © the M.C. Escher Company B.V. -Baarn -the Netherlands. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.mcescher.com

120th Anniversary of Birth | From the Israel Museum Collection | Miracle Escher Exhibition | Eight Keys to Unlocking the Master of Impossible Worlds

Dates | Wednesday, June 6 - Sunday, July 29, 2018
Venue | Ueno Royal Museum
Address | 1-2 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours | 10:00–17:00, until 20:00 (Fridays) *Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed | Open daily during the exhibition period
Organizers | Israel Museum, The Sankei Shimbun, Fuji Television, Ueno Royal Museum
Sponsorship | Nozaki Printing Paper Industry
Cooperation | Blue Dragon Art Company