Masterpiece exhibition “The paradise that I once dreamed of: From Ryuko Kawabata’s postwar works”

　Japanese painter Ryuko Kawabata (1885-1966) is known for her works that leave a strong impression on the viewer with her generous brushstrokes on large screens. On the other hand, she has left behind a wide variety of works, including works full of stories, fantastical scenes created with her rich imagination, and works that express her gentle gaze. Ryuko's postwar works are characterized by many works that express a world full of humorous humor, a complete reversal from the prewar and wartime era of heightened tension.
　``Dassai'' (1949), which was inspired by ``Dassai'' in the spring section of the haiku calendar, depicts an otter with a cute and playful expression, and ``Swamp Feast'' (1950) depicts a fox's marriage. It was a comical depiction of Kappa's marriage, and it was later developed into the Kappa series, which Ryuko continues to work on. In addition, in Kawasemi (1951), which depicts the fluctuation of water and an ideal hot spring village, he dreamed of ``the beautiful nymphs (spirits) you see in famous paintings of Taisei, although she has the appearance of a kappa's spa.'' He also says. The cheerful, healthy, and joyful atmosphere expressed in Ryuko's postwar works can be described as a paradise away from the worldly world. This exhibition examines Ryuko's thoughts and productions in her later years, as she pursued pictorial expression that would serve as ``the spiritual enjoyment of the masses'' in postwar Japan, which was striving to create a peaceful and prosperous society.

Related event

Summer vacation program for children
"Watch, draw, and rediscover! Let's taste Ryuko together!"
　Date: Sunday, August 2024, 8
　　　　Morning (10:00-12:15), Afternoon (14:00-16:15) *Applications are now closed
　Venue: Meet at the Ota City Ryushi Memorial Museum, then move to the Ota Cultural Forest Second Creative Studio (Art Room)

Saturday, April 2024, 6 to May 22, Monday (holiday)

Schedule	9: 00-16: 30 (Admission until 16:00)
Venue	Ryushi Memorial Museum
Genre	Exhibitions / Events

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