THEO JANSEN Exhibition (Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum)
About the Exhibition
Venue & Dates
Venue：Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum
Exhibition Period:July 20 (Saturday) – September 8 (Sunday)
About the Exhibition
This exhibition showcases the "beasts" created byTHEO JANSEN.
With a skeleton made of plastic, sails that catch the wind, and air pressure stored in PET bottles acting as their stomachs, these "beasts" can not only walk but also change direction.
You can experience the impressive movement of their large, complex skeletons up close and feel the power of their motion.
The "Strandbeest," which walks on Dutch sandy beaches powered by the wind, is a sculptural creation named by combining "strand" (meaning beach in Dutch) and "beest" (meaning beast or life form). Created by Dutch sculptor Theo Jansen (1948–), the Strandbeest was conceived as a solution to the problem of rising sea levels in his homeland.
The Strandbeest primarily uses plastic tubes as the main material for its skeleton and is designed not only to walk but also to change direction and adapt to various environments. The movement of these beasts, based on principles of physical engineering, is smooth and lifelike.
This exhibition features 14 of Jansen's latest beasts, showcasing the evolution of these creatures and the creative process behind them through videos, sketches, prototypes, and other materials. Enjoy the captivating world created by Theo Jansen, often referred to as the "modern Leonardo da Vinci," blending science and art.
Exhibited Works
Photography is allowed.
Animaris Pladens Vela
The beasts have large and complex structures but can be powered by the air pressure stored in plastic bottles.
Their movement is impressive and captivating.
On the beach, they can self-propel by harnessing the wind, reflecting the precision with which they are designed.
Depending on the time of day, you can see them in motion, so checking the schedule and visiting accordingly will enhance your experience.
However, be aware that children might find them frightening, so some caution may be needed.
The History of Strandbeest
There is also an exhibit showcasing a timeline of the Strandbeests.
It's fascinating to see how each of them is connected, much like a biological evolutionary lineage. This display offers insight into the inspirations and connections between the different models, making it an engaging and informative experience.
My Impressions
You can see a dozen or so of Theo Jansen's "Strandbeests" all together.
The intricate mechanisms of the legs working in unison highlight the precision of each piece.
On the beach, they self-propel by harnessing the wind, which adds to the amazement.
Since you can witness their actual movement at certain times, it's recommended to check the schedule in advance before you visit.
Thank you for reading.
Perfume COSTUME MUSEUM (Miyazaki Art Center)
About the Exhibition
Venue & Dates
Venue：Miyazaki Art Center
Dates：Saturday, June 15th - Sunday, August 25th
About the Exhibition
The exhibition showcases numerous costumes that have adorned Perfume throughout their career.
These beautiful costumes range from colorful and sometimes retro to futuristic styles.
Visitors can enjoy reminiscing about past performances and commercials while reflecting on those times.
Perfume, who continue to perform at the forefront of the music scene on a global stage, often stands before tens of thousands of fans. Supporting the three members, Aa-CHAN, KASHIYUKA, and NOCCHi, in their numerous challenges and joys, are their beautiful and innovative costumes. This exhibition is the first large-scale costume exhibition showcasing approximately 170 carefully selected outfits, inspired by 'Perfume COSTUME BOOK 2005-2020' (Bunka Publishing Bureau, 2020). The exhibition traces their costumes in chronological order from their major debut, featuring pieces specially selected by the three members for this event. Additionally, it introduces production materials, such as the patterns used and sources of design inspiration.
Exhibited Works
Photography is allowed for limited exhibits (no flash)
Standing on stage
Numerous costumes used in Perfume's live performances are on display.
These costumes are not only beautiful, shining on stage but also highly functional, allowing for ease of movement during performances.
Additionally, seeing costumes you recognize will be even more moving.
Member Selection
The exhibition features each Perfume member's favorite costumes.
Inside the display area and along the outer corridor, there are panels with personal memories and thoughts from the members about the costumes.
Some panels include interesting anecdotes, like last-minute design changes, adding a behind-the-scenes touch.
My Impressions
You can see the essential costumes that have accompanied Perfume's activities.
Each costume is vibrant and beautifully designed, making them truly mesmerizing.
Even within the unified theme of the costumes, there are unique details that reflect each member's individuality, and being able to see these up close is part of the enjoyment.
Additionally, the costumes are designed with functionality for live performances, allowing you to appreciate the excellence of their design.
Since it's located in the city, it's worth stopping by even if you're just passing through.
Thank you for reading.
Hosokawa & Museum Collection 2 (Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art)
About the Exhibition
Venue & Dates
Venue：Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art
Exhibition Period: July 11, 2024 - September 23, 2024
About the Exhibition
This is the second exhibition of the year featuring the collections of the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art. It showcases armor, swords, Japanese paintings, and modern paintings with connections to Kumamoto.
Newly acquired collection pieces are also included, providing an opportunity to encounter new works.
Kumamoto is home to a variety of cultural properties that have been passed down to the present day. Among them are the art and historical artifacts from the Hosokawa family, the feudal lords who ruled the Higo Kumamoto domain during the Edo period. These items are now housed in the Eisei Bunko Foundation and are renowned for their quality and quantity. The preservation of these cultural properties, which span from the medieval to the modern periods, is a testament to the diligent efforts of many individuals over time, ensuring their survival to this day. The Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art engages in various initiatives to preserve these cultural assets, which are considered treasures of Kumamoto, for future generations.
This exhibition presents a selection of these valuable cultural properties inherited by the Hosokawa family, as well as masterpieces collected by the art-loving lord Hosokawa Moritatsu. Highlights include the 14th-century armor "White Thread Laced Cuirass" (National Important Cultural Property) donated to Eigen'an by Hosokawa's ancestor Yorinobu, weapons and armor of successive feudal lords, renowned modern Japanese paintings cherished by Moritatsu, and exquisite Higo sword guards.
Additionally, the exhibition will showcase newly restored cultural properties and those discovered through recent surveys of the Eisei Bunko Foundation's collections. This exhibition also features newly acquired works for the museum's collection in fiscal year 2023, including swords and modern Western paintings associated with Kumamoto.（［2024年7月11日～9月23日］細川・美術館コレクション2 - 熊本県ホームページ
英訳）
Exhibited Works
Some works can be photographed.
Iron black wrinkled leather wrapped purple thread weimaru dogu foot
Depicts the scene of various yokai (spirits) parading, each with a soul residing within them.
This is the armor of the last lord of the Kumamoto domain, Hosokawa Shosuke.
The prominent tail feathers of the mountain bird on the helmet are notable, but the body is constructed with practicality in mind.
Higo plum blossom skin shark scabbard sword Koshirae
Although it mentions a shark, it is actually made by wrapping stingray skin, painting it with black lacquer, and polishing it.
The pattern of the skin resembles plum flower skin, hence it is called "Kairagi".
Though the colors are calm black and white, it stands out significantly.
The patterns are beautiful and it was one of the most eye-catching items in the exhibition.
My Impressions
A variety of works related to Kumamoto are exhibited.
In addition to historical items, modern and contemporary works are also displayed.
Newly acquired and restored collection pieces are also on display, allowing visitors to appreciate new works.
It is an opportunity to view the collection of the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art, which is exhibited four times a year.
Kumamoto Castle is also nearby. I believe you can enjoy a visit here if you have the chance to visit the castle.
Thank you for reading.
Hyperrealism: Masterpieces from the Hoki Museum
About the Exhibition
Venue & Dates
Venue：Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art
Dates：July 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024
About the Exhibition
This exhibition features some of the finest examples of hyperrealistic art from the Hoki Museum. Hyperrealism is an art movement that emphasizes meticulous detail to create lifelike images that often resemble high-resolution photographs.
The Hoki Museum, located in Chiba, Japan, is renowned for its collection of hyperrealistic paintings. This traveling exhibition brings together a selection of these masterpieces, showcasing the incredible skill and precision of the artists.
As one of the rare museums in the world dedicated solely to realistic paintings, the Hoki Museum opened in 2010 in Midori Ward, Chiba City. Its collection consists of approximately 500 realistic paintings by contemporary Japanese artists. This exhibition showcases 64 carefully selected works from the Hoki Museum's collection.
The Hoki Museum's collection has toured various museums across Japan, leading the boom in realistic painting within the country. This is the first time the exhibition is being held in Kumamoto, featuring not only the museum's popular representative works but also the latest major works that were displayed in the permanent exhibition "My Masterpieces" until 2023.
Through the masterpieces of the Hoki Museum, you can see the current state of realistic painting in Japan. Please enjoy the exhibition.
Exhibited Works
No photography of exhibited works allowed.
Portrait of Masao Hoki
This is a portrait of Masao Hoki, the first director of the Hoki Museum.
Seated on a chair against a black background, his figure exudes a strong sense of gravitas.
Playing in the sand
Two children playing on a sandy beach by the sea appear so lifelike that they could be mistaken for a photograph, with the vividly depicted blue sea and detailed scenery.
As you approach the painting and focus on the two children, the realism of their sun-kissed skin and their interaction with the sand is striking. Their engrossed playfulness is truly heartwarming.
Blue twilight
A beautiful woman is depicted leaning against a rocky outcrop.
The painting captures an ideal moment as the sun is setting, casting a blue hue over the surroundings.
The textures of the background sky, sea, and rocks, as well as the woman's skin and clothing, are all rendered realistically. The combination of these elements gives the woman a striking presence.
The gloss applied to her hair, adding texture, is a detail that might go unnoticed unless viewed in person.
Fantastical Lobster
A lobster, depicted in close-up, is portrayed in this artwork.
The photograph is from a shooting spot outside the exhibition, but the actual piece on display at the venue is also large and impressive.
The imposing size and the distinctive appearance of the crustacean can make one hesitate to approach it at first glance.
Fantastical Lobster
Just as it is before putting it into words
This is the work featured on the poster for this exhibition.
My impression is one of awe at how such realism can be achieved.
The transparency of the water, as well as the wet clothes, skin, and hair, all blend seamlessly without any sense of incongruity.
I highly recommend experiencing it up close to feel the sense of confusion that your brain might experience.
My Impressions
This exhibition is truly an example of "hyperrealism."
While you can recognize it as paintings due to the context of the exhibition, if you had no preconceived notions, you might mistake it for a photography exhibit.
At times, it felt as though my brain was glitching while viewing the works.
I found it intriguing to discover what causes this reaction.
The meticulous detail is something I highly recommend experiencing up close to fully appreciate its impact.
Thank you for reading.
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First Published: July 1, 2024
