An Exhibition Held in Conjunction with Collection Rotations

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) boasts a collection of approximately 13,000 works, the largest in Japan. The museum holds its collection exhibition, "MOMAT Collection," several times a year, rotating artworks based on timely themes and perspectives.

Its appeal lies in its ability to facilitate an understanding of the flow of art since the Meiji era by introducing Japanese works in relation to international pieces.




The highlights begin with the "Highlights" corner in Room 1, a concentrated display of masterpieces selected by the museum. Rooms 2 through 12 trace the progression of art from the Meiji period to the present day.

This season features significant changes in the themes and artworks in each room. While works are generally arranged chronologically from Room 2 onwards, the exhibition policy now emphasizes a more detailed appreciation. For instance, in the pre-war and wartime Showa periods, themes such as "Friendship with Paris" and "The War Years and Animals" are established for each room, with artworks selected accordingly.

The exhibition vividly portrays the historical context of the artworks, offering a miniature "time travel" experience.



A special exhibition commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Meiji Restoration is also being held, focusing on Meiji-era art in Room 10. It features Nihonga paintings such as TSUCHIDA Bakusen's "Island Woman" (on display until July 29), Western-style paintings including WADA Sanzo's "Southern Wind," which has recently been designated an Important Cultural Property, and watercolor masterpieces like YOSHIDA Hiroshi's "New Moon" (on display from July 31).

From the sculpture collection, "Yuami" by SHINKAI Take-tarō is exhibited alongside its original plaster model, designated an Important Cultural Property. Additionally, the highlights section showcases KANABAKI Kiyokata's "Twelve Months of Meiji Manners" in its entirety (until July 29), offering an excellent opportunity to reflect on the Meiji era.

Furthermore, David Smith's "Circle IV," acquired last year, is displayed alongside sculptures by related artists. This work by a leading post-war American sculptor, with its simple forms of circles and squares, presents various expressions depending on the viewing angle, complemented by its balanced composition and the use of color that highlights the brushwork.

In addition, a small-scale exhibition, "Tatekawa Shuzo and the Artists He Gazed Upon," is being held. Tatekawa, an art critic and poet, is known for introducing Surrealism to Japan and for his continuous ideological support of young artists.

The exhibition includes 13 works by Tatekawa himself from the museum's collection, as well as pieces by Surrealist painters he admired, such as Ernst and Miró; pre-war avant-garde painters like KITAWAKI Noboru; artists from the Experimental Workshop, including YAMAGUCHI Katsuhiro, FUKUSHIMA Hideko, and OTSUJI Seiji; and post-war avant-garde artists such as AKASEGAWA Genpei and ARAKAWA Shusaku.

Moreover, a series of mini-lectures titled "Five Nights to Know More About Tatekawa Shuzo," led by curator Shogo Otani, will be held five times. This event offers a deeper understanding of Tatekawa Shuzo.

The museum also offers a variety of other events for everyone to enjoy, including gallery talks, curator talks, and programs for children. With the ability to listen to artwork explanations on a smartphone, this exhibition is accessible even for museum novices.

Collection Exhibition "MOMAT Collection"
Dates: Tuesday, June 5 – Monday, September 24, 2018
Hours: 10:00–17:00 (Fridays and Saturdays until 20:00) *Last admission 30 minutes before closing. *During the exhibition "Gordon Matta-Clark" (June 19 – September 17), Fridays and Saturdays until 21:00.
Closed: Mondays (except July 16, September 17, September 24), July 17 (Tuesday), September 18 (Tuesday)
Venue: The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, Main Building 4F–2F
3-1 Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Admission: [General] ¥500 (¥400) [University Students] ¥250 (¥200)
*Free admission for high school students and younger, those under 18, seniors 65 and over, holders of "MOMAT Passport," Friends of MOMAT, supporting members, MOMAT Support Circle partner companies (up to one accompanying person; Silver members only for the individual), Campus Members, and persons with disabilities and one accompanying person.
* ( ) indicates group rates for 20 or more people. All prices include tax.
* Admission after 17:00 for "MOMAT Collection" is ¥300 for general admission and ¥150 for university students.
* During the exhibition "Gordon Matta-Clark" (June 19 – September 17), university students are admitted free after 17:00.
* With the admission ticket for this exhibition, you can also visit the Crafts Gallery's collection exhibition "Hot and Cold Crafts for Kids and Adults" (June 19 – August 26) on the same day. Free admission days: First Sunday of every month (July 1, August 5, September 2)
* This applies only to this exhibition (admission fee required for the special exhibition "Gordon Matta-Clark").