TAB Event - "Shoen Uemura and Bijinga -Portraits of Beautiful Women" Exhibition

"Shoen Uemura and Bijinga -Portraits of Beautiful Women" Exhibition

This event has ended.
At Yamatane Museum of Art
Media: Painting, Prints

Born to a family who ran a tea shop in Shijo, Kyoto, Shoen Uemura (1875-1949) graduated from an art school in the area and then furthered her artistic path by studying under Shonen Suzuki, Bairei Kono and Seiho Takeuchi. Winning a number of prizes at a young age, she became the first female winner of the Order of Culture in 1948.

"I have never believed in the view that women need only be beautiful. What I intend to depict is a serene gem-like painting free of vulgar qualities," says Uemura. This sincere attitude gave her work a sense of dignity.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Uemura's death. Through a presentation of works from the museum collection, this exhibition looks back on her achievements as a master of bijinga (portraits of beautiful women), while also introducing bijinga, nihonga, yoga and ukiyo-e by various renowned artists that all portray women of individual beauty.

This exhibition will be the last to be held at the current location. The museum will reopen in Hiroo, Tokyo, on October 1st this year.