Exhibition/event has ended.

Kofu Ishii Exhibition

Chiba City Museum of Art
Finished

Artists

Kofu Ishii
In conjunction with the "Kei and Sumiko Itakura Exhibition" at the Chiba City Museum of Art, this exhibition will feature the Western-style painter Kofu Ishii (1892-1975), who studied in Paris around the same time as the Itakura couple.

Born in Nawamura Iwafune, Isumi-gun (present-day Isumi City, Chiba Prefecture), Kofu Ishii (real name: Masaji) initially studied Japanese painting under the tutelage of the Japanese painter Rinkyo Ishii. Later, at the age of 22, Ishii switched to Western-style painting after studying at the research institute of the Japan Art Academy. Despite being recognized as a promising talent with his entry selected as a candidate for a special award at the 3rd Teiten Exhibition in 1921 (Taisho 10), Ishii harbored a longing to study abroad.

At the age of 30, Ishii first went to America and then set his sights on Paris. Upon arriving in Paris in 1925 (Taisho 14), he began his formal studies in Western-style painting at the Académie Julian. Paris in the 1920s was a hub for artists from around the world, and it was brimming with various artistic movements, radiating creative energy. Amidst the heyday of the École de Paris, Ishii interacted with vibrant painters such as Tsuguharu Fujita, honed his exceptional descriptive skills, and blossomed his talent. His works from this period were particularly rich in Oriental poetic sentiment, and Ishii, who gained perspectives from both East and West, attracted attention as a "Neo-Orientalist" artist. His adept watercolor paintings and diligently pursued oil paintings each reflected both Western and Eastern perspectives, showcasing Ishii's spirit of inquiry into his artistic creation.

Upon returning to Japan in 1931 (Showa 6), Ishii mainly sought opportunities to showcase his works at the Shunyo-kai, eventually becoming a member in 1949 (Showa 24). Additionally, upon returning to his hometown that year, Ishii taught art at the Chiba Prefectural Nagao First High School (now Chiba Prefectural Nagao High School), dedicating himself to nurturing future generations as an educator.

This exhibition will showcase works by Kofu from the collection, focusing on pieces from his time in Europe and America, to reflect on his 60-year artistic journey.

Schedule

Apr 6 (Sat) 2024-Jun 16 (Sun) 2024 

Opening Hours Information

Hours
10:00-18:00
Closes at 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Notice
Closed on April 15, May 7, 20 and June 3.
*Closed on the 1st Monday of each month.
FeeAdults ¥500; University Students ¥400; High School, Junior High and Elementary School Students free.
Websitehttps://www.ccma-net.jp/exhibitions/special/24-04-06-06-16-2/
VenueChiba City Museum of Art
Location3-10-8 Chuo, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 260-0013
Access7 minute walk from Yoshikawakoen Station on the Chiba Urban Monorail, 10 minute walk from the East exit of Chibachuo Station on the Keisei line, 15 minute walk from the East exit of JR Chiba Station.
Phone043-221-2311
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