About 100 years ago, the philosopher Soetsu Yanagi advocated for the concept of "mingei," or folk crafts. This concept cherishes the beauty found in everyday life, showing appreciation for materials and craftsmen. The idea of mingei is once again considered essential, becoming an integral part of daily life.

In this exhibition, we explore the theme of "clothing, food, and shelter" in relation to mingei, showcasing around 150 beautiful mingei items that have been used in daily life. We also visit the current production sites of mingei, introducing the craftsmen and the traditional handcrafts that have been passed down. Additionally, there is an installation by Terry Ellis, former director of the select shop Beams until the summer of 2022, and Keiko Kitamura (Mogi Folk Art Director), who played a significant role in the current mingei boom, blending contemporary lifestyle with mingei.

This exhibition contemplates the beauty in daily life that Yanagi spoke of, exploring the essence of mingei, its expansion, and its present and future.

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The activities of the Higashihiroshima City Museum of Art range from the collection, preservation, and utilization of artwork to special exhibitions and related lectures to introduce outstanding creative artists and their work.

The museum's collection focuses on "modern and contemporary prints," "contemporary ceramics," and "works related to the local area," and is continuously growing. The former museum, which did not have a permanent exhibition room, used to hold special exhibitions of work from the museum collection twice a year, but now the second-floor exhibition room is the main venue for presenting the museum's collection.

Special exhibitions include exhibitions introducing outstanding works of art from Japan and abroad, the "Exhibition of Illustrations by Contemporary Picture Book Artists," which has been held since 1982, and self-produced exhibitions of art and thematic exhibits related to the local area.

In addition, the museum holds a wide range of activities to promote local art and culture, including lectures, workshops, and other events related to the exhibitions, explanations of artwork by curators, and cooperation with art appreciation and school classes as part of educational outreach activities.

Mingei - The Beauty of Everyday Things

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Traveling exhibition schedule