Exhibitions

Traditional ukiyo-e prints (ukiyo-e: pictures from the Floating World) were among the most important artistic achievements of the Edo era (1603-1868), whose decline began with the death of the artist Ando Hiroshige in 1858. Two contributing factors to this change were the opening of the gates of Japan to the West in 1853 and the Meiji Restoration (1868) which led, among other things, to the discovery of new artistic works. At this time, Japan was greatly exposed to the influence of European art, although there were those who recognized the need to preserve their traditional art.

Over the centuries, the tendency evolved in Japan to value small objects over big ones and this for both practical and religious reasons. Since Japan is an island nation with limited resources and dense population, the use of large objects is not practical. In addition, the Buddhist perception of minimalism had extensive impact over a wide range of Japanese art forms.

Makoto Fujimura, is a talented contemporary artist. Because of his exhibitions, writings, lectures and symposia he conducts around the world, he is regarded as a cultural designer and an inspiration for both artists and art lovers. His works are a fusion of cultures, traditional Japanese art and an abstract, expressionist, contemporary and fresh artistic approach.