Kitagawa Tamiji Retrospective:
From Mexico to Japan
The Nagoya City Art Museum is hosting the first major retrospective of Kitagawa Tamiji (1894-1989) in nearly 30 years. This exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of Kitagawa's artistic journey and contributions, shedding light on his diverse roles as a painter, muralist, art educator, and picture book creator. The exhibition is a rare opportunity to delve into the life and work of an artist who served as a significant cultural bridge between Japan and Mexico.
Kitagawa Tamiji: A Life Bridging Cultures
Kitagawa Tamiji was born in 1894 in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, and his artistic career took him across the globe. In the 1920s, he traveled to Mexico, where he immersed himself in the vibrant muralism movement. This movement was not just an artistic revolution; it was a political one, emphasizing themes of social justice and the struggles of the working class. Kitagawa was deeply influenced by these ideas and incorporated them into his own work, which was characterized by bold colors, dynamic compositions, and a commitment to portraying the human condition.
During his time in Mexico, Kitagawa also became passionately involved in art education. He believed in the power of art to bring about social change and took it upon himself to teach art to children, particularly in rural areas. This dedication to art education would become a lifelong pursuit for him.
Kitagawa Tamiji was born in 1894 in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, and his artistic career took him across the globe. In the 1920s, he traveled to Mexico, where he immersed himself in the vibrant muralism movement. This movement was not just an artistic revolution; it was a political one, emphasizing themes of social justice and the struggles of the working class.
Return to Japan
Upon his return to Japan in the 1930s, Kitagawa brought with him the artistic techniques and social consciousness he had developed in Mexico. He continued to work as a Western-style painter, creating works that often reflected the social issues of the time. Kitagawa's contributions extended beyond painting; he also took on the challenge of creating murals, an art form he had come to appreciate deeply in Mexico.
In Japan, Kitagawa continued his work in art education, nurturing the creativity of young minds and contributing to the development of children's picture books. His belief in the transformative power of art was evident in every aspect of his work, from his paintings to his educational endeavors.
The Exhibition: A Multifaceted View
This retrospective at the Nagoya City Art Museum brings together approximately 180 works and documents, including about 70 paintings. Through these works, the exhibition reexamines what Kitagawa learned in Mexico and how these lessons continued to influence his work after returning to Japan. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the various facets of Kitagawa's career and gain a deeper understanding of his contributions to both the Japanese and international art scenes.
The exhibition provides a holistic view of Kitagawa Tamiji as an artist who was not just a painter but also a cultural mediator, an educator, and a creator of narratives through his murals and picture books. It invites us to appreciate the depth and breadth of his work and his enduring legacy in the world of art.
The Details
Location:
Nagoya City Art Museum
Dates: Until Sunday, September 8
Opening Hours:
9:30 - 17:00 (Fridays until 20:00)
Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Closed:
Mondays (except July 15 and August 12)
Closed July 16 (Tuesday) and August 13 (Tuesday)
Supported by:
Japan Arts Council, TV Aichi
Access
By Subway
Fushimi Stn. Exit #5
Higashiyama line (yellow) H09
Tsurumai line (blue) T07
MAP
Leave a Comment