Goshu Hayami (1894-1935) was one of the leading Japanese painters active from the late Meiji period to the early Showa period. As Japan modernized after the Meiji Restoration, the art world, especially Japanese-style painting, was forced to undergo major changes. Amid these changes, Hayami had a strong influence on the subsequent development of modern Japanese painting and left behind many works that determined the direction of the art.
His style changed from reproductions of old paintings to lyrical works based on sketches, to highly precise realistic depictions in the Taisho period, to a return to classical painting, to works with simplification and flatness, showing such a variety of expression that it is difficult to believe that he was a single artist. However, we can see Hayami's consistent attempt to get closer to the truth of his subject matter. This can be said to be the result of his sincere efforts to address the various issues that Japanese painting had to face in the face of the West in the modern era.
This exhibition will review Goshu Hayami's path as a painter through approximately 100 paintings and drawings, in which Hayami, who disliked fitting into a mold, continued to question the meaning of painting through his intense and varied artistic activities.
15 minute walk from the South exit of JR Mito Station; From JR Mito Station, take the bus towards to Hossawa or Hongo and get off at Bunka Center Iriguchi. The venue is 5 minute walk from there.
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