The Art Lover’s Guide to Japanese Museums

Book review:

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Throwing the spotlight onto somewhat less familiar galleries, historical museums, artist’s studios and little known treasure houses across Japan

Sympathetic to artphiles who feel discouraged by their lack of Japanese language ability, this book is one art historian’s personally researched compilation of recommended galleries and museums in Japan. Notably it highlights many secluded venues that might have poor English accessibility and visibility, but exhibit works that would appeal to most art tourists and probably general victors as well.

Numbering some 52 in total, among the establishments are galleries, historical museums, artist’s studios and little known treasure houses. Venues were selected for their individuality, the richness of their collections, the beauty of their setting and include both the old and new, the well known or not. Representation is fairly balanced between traditional and contemporary arts and the array of featured works cover all disciplines and mediums.

Photographs of featured artworks are plentiful and make compelling cases for their hosting premises. In particular, many contemporary installations are interactive and some of the memorable and tantalising art include Leandro Erlichs’ The Swimming Pool which utilises perspective from above and below so that observers are both viewers and part of the art. Late husband and wife Arakawa Shusaku and Madeline Gin’s Sun Room is an inverted, cylindrical playground. Towada Art Centre exhibited Ron Mueck’s replica human figures that are remarkably true to life but distorted in scale which some observers have likened to the Titans of Shingeki no Kyojin. Some of Yayoi Kusama’s pleasantly disorienting, polka dot craziness is also included.

This is the debut book of London based, art historian, Sophie Richard. Part of Richard’s preparation included interviewing the directors and curators of each museum which reveals itself in the added depth of history and character that is imparted for each venue.

Shelf: 706.9 RIC 2014
The art lover’s guide to Japanese museums
by Sophie Richard
Published by London Japan Society 2014.            
176 p. : col., ill. ; 23 cm.
Text in English
978-0-9559-9771-6

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