The Fukuda Art Museum opened in October 2019. Since then, aiming to make Japanese art accessible to everyone, the museum has mostly
shown early modern and modern Japanese paintings. In recent decades, however, Japanese contemporary artists have become
global icons. For example, large-scale retrospective exhibitions in North America, Europe, and China have featured Yayoi Kusama (1929–2026), whose recent passing was widely mourned, and Yoshitomo Nara (b. 1959). To ensure our collection remains relevant and comprehensive, in 2023, the museum began acquiring art by living Japanese artists. Thus, we have arranged this show to demonstrate continuities in Japanese art from as early as the 18th century to the present day.

In the galleries you can see works by acclaimed contemporary artists side-by-side with paintings from the Edo Period. In other words, you
will be able to directly compare works by internationally recognized artists—including Yayoi Kusama, a pioneer who captivated the world, Yoshitomo Nara, and Izumi Kato (b.1969)—with works by Edo-period masters such as Itō Jakuchū (1716–1800), Ike no Taiga (1723–1776), and Maruyama Ōkyo (1733–1795). Transcending the bounds of time and circumstance, the chosen works highlight shared approaches to creation and modes of expression. You can also view works by Yu Nishimura (b. 1982) and Ulala Imai (b. 1982), a married couple with a growing international reputation.

Viewing work by living artists next to Edo-period masterpieces, discover how creative vision can resonate across the centuries.

Exhibition Overview

Supported by　Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Kyoto City Board of Education