Michisei Kono (1895-1950) is a painter who actively produced works in the Taisho period to the first half of Showa era. He first learned to paint from his father, Jiro Kono, who was an art teacher and photographer. Influenced by the works of Dürer, Michisei created outstanding paintings with detailed realism. He joined the art groups Nika-kai, Shirakaba-ha, and finally Kusado-sha, of the famous painter Ryosei Kishida, exploring his career as a painter. After Kishida passed away, he intensively worked on illustrations for novels, marking a new field in the modern painting scene.
This exhibition features Michisei Kono's early works and works created before the war period in the Showa era, centering around his masterpieces and newly discovered works. His achievement is not well recognized in the history of Japanese modern art, but this exhibition explores his art historical significance and his extremely original talent.
[Image: "Self-portrait" Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum Collection]
20 minute walk from the North exit of Hiratsuka Station on the JR Tokaido line; From the North exit of JR Hiratsuka Station, take the Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus and get off at Bijutsukan Iriguchi.
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