The word "home" encompasses not only the physical space where we live but also the collective entity of the family that gathers there, as well as the concept of a homeland or native country. The phrase "home sweet home," which serves as the title of this exhibition, has been translated and used to mean "beloved home" or similar expressions.

During the "stay home" period of the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in early 2020 and lasted for several years, people consciously or unconsciously reflected on the concept of "home." Additionally, the ongoing refugee crises around the world, driven by international conflicts, have forced a reconsideration of the meaning of homeland and native country. In the context of such a challenging society, what is the meaning of "home?"

This exhibition presents works by contemporary artists from both Japan and abroad, exploring themes such as history, memory, identity, people's place in the world, and their roles within it. Through these works, the exhibition attempts to illuminate the meaning of "home," examining not only the concepts of "house" and "family," but also the transformation and universality of the communities and societies.

Andro Wekua "Levan Portrait" (2017) ©Andro Wekua, Courtesy of the artist, Gladstone Gallery, and Take Ninagawa

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The museum opened on November 23, 1991, as a commemorative project for the 90th anniversary of Marugame's municipal organization, with the full cooperation of Genichiro Inokuma, a painter associated with Marugame City. The museum, with its beautiful architecture by architect Yoshio Taniguchi, is located in front of Marugame Station and houses approximately 20,000 works donated by Inokuma himself. The museum also focuses on activities for educational purposes, holding a variety of programs such as lectures and concerts, as well as workshops to nurture children's sensitivity and creativity.

These features were developed through repeated discussions between Inokuma and Marugame City. Inokuma strongly desired MIMOCA to be a "contemporary art museum" that always actively introduces new things. Taniguchi shared Inokuma's desire for a beautiful space in an art museum and created a bright and spacious space with natural light. Taniguchi also emphasized the importance of children's exposure to beauty and proposed free admission for children and the creation of a "sculpture studio" for children to engage in creative activities.

Inokuma wanted the museum to be a place where people could casually drop in, see fine works of art in a beautiful space, and be refreshed and energized by fresh inspiration. We hope that MIMOCA, which is filled with Inokuma's thoughts, will be a "hospital for the mind" for everyone.

Home Sweet Home

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