Shiko Munakata Exhibition

Kanuma Municipal Art Museum of Kawakami Sumio

Finished

Artists

Shiko Munakata

Shiko Munakata (1903-1975) was so struck by the original color print of Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" in the magazine "Shirakaba" that he decided to become a painter and moved from Aomori to Tokyo. Impressed by the harmony between poetry and prints, Munakata decided to pursue a career in printmaking. In "Kogei" No. 96 (Nihon Mingei Kyokai, 1938), Munakata wrote, "When I saw Sumio Kawakami's print 'Hatsunatsu no Kaze', I knew that printmaking was a noble work. He said, "The day I saw 'Hatsunatsu no Kaze' was the day my printmaking career began." At that time, Munakata was aiming to be selected for the Teiten exhibition, but he was unsuccessful and felt he had reached an impasse.

Munakata's early print collection, "Constellation Bride" (1931, Sosaku Print Club), with its exotic subject matter and incorporation of poetry into the prints, was strongly influenced by "Early Summer Wind. A few years later, he produced his masterpieces, including "Yamato Shibi" (1936), and in 1942 he declared his prints to be hanga (woodblock prints) and found his unique expression while cherishing the life that resides in the woodblock.

This exhibition brings together Shiko Munakata's print collection "The Bride of the Constellation" to provide a rare glimpse into Munakata's early works. In addition, Sumio Kawakami's "Early Summer Wind" will be on display in the 2nd-floor exhibition room from April 20 to June 2.

Schedule

Apr 13 (Sat) 2024-Jun 23 (Sun) 2024