Yusei Nagashima + Bakufu Ono "Gaze at the Fish"

Amagasaki Cultural Center

Finished

Artists

Yusei Nagashima, Bakufu Ono

Yusei Nagashima (1983- ), who drew attention as a "fish painter" with his fine brushwork using translucent watercolors, and Bakufu Ono (1888-1976), a Japanese painter who gained fame as a "fish painter" in the early Showa period.

Based on close observation of fish's life, such as their supple movements and shiny scales, the paintings have a familiar and endearing charm, thanks to the artists' curiosity about the living creatures themselves.

Born in Osaka, Japan, Yusei Nagashima became fascinated with fish through his childhood fishing experience, and painting fish, he aims to pass on the wonderful nature he gains from the waterfront to the future. In addition to drawing a variety of fish in response to commissions from Japan and abroad, he also promotes the appeal of fish through his publishing activities, including picture books and illustrated books with his writings.

Born in Tokyo during the Meiji period (1868-1912), Bakufu Ono studied Western-style painting before switching to Japanese-style painting, and after the Great Kanto Earthquake, he moved to the Kansai region and worked for a long time in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture. He was especially fond of drawing fish, and his masterpiece "The Great Japan Fish Art Collection" is a collection of beautiful prints made by woodblock print artisans using a sophisticated technique known as "200-degree hand printing of original color woodblocks," which was well received at the time of its publication.

This exhibition will feature 40 of the 72 prints from the Himeji City Museum of Art's "Great Collection of Japanese Fish Art," mainly of familiar fish found in the waters around Osaka Bay, along with about 60 of Nagashima's colorful fish from Japan's seas. There will also be an exhibition of materials on the history of the sea in Amagasaki, the venue of the exhibition, as well as various related programs. Come and feel the bounty of Japan's rich sea through the paintings of fish.

[Events]
1. Yusei Nagashima Artist Talk "Living in the Moment and Painting What Is"
Date: Saturday, May 27, 15:00-16:30
Eligibility: Open to all
Capacity: 30 people (advance registration required)
Admission: Free (exhibition ticket required)

2. Workshop by Yusei Nagashima "Let's Draw Water Creatures in Amagasaki"
Dates: (1) Sunday, May 28, (2) Saturday, July 1, both from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Eligibility: Elementary school students and older
Capacity: 15 people each (advance registration required)
Admission: Free

3. Commentary by the Curator
Date: June 10 (Sat) and 24 (Sat), 15:00-16:00
Eligibility: Open to all
Capacity: 20 (first-come, first-served)
Admission: Free (exhibition ticket required)
Please visit the official website for more information on the event and how to register.

Schedule

May 27 (Sat) 2023-Jul 2 (Sun) 2023