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【National Museum of Western Art】 Modern Woman Press Briefing Report

At the National Museum of Western Art in Ueno, Tokyo, from June 18 (Tuesday) to September 23 (Mon.), 2019 2019, “100 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Finland. Houses are held.

Since the press preview of the exhibition was held, we will deliver the report this time.

What is the Modern Woman Exhibition?

The Modern Women's Exhibition focuses on the seven female artists who lived in Finland before and after independence, which commemorates the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Finland, and brought major innovations in the country's modern art. It is the first exhibition in Japan.

About 90 works are exhibited, including paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints.
The works of Helen Shalfbeck, who has recently been attracting worldwide attention, and the works of five painters who were active from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, and the works of two sculptors who studied with Auguste Rodin in Paris .

The history of female artists in Finland


(Photo) Helen Scharfbeck



Finland from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.
During this period Finland changed the position and role of women in society to keep pace with the independence movement from Russia and the formation of a new nation born in 1917.

The first art school in Finland, which was founded in the middle of the 19th century, had a rare education policy in Europe at the time of its founding that it recommended gender-equal art education. As a result, women in this era were able to open up their career as an artist while earning research in an international environment with the support of study abroad opportunities and scholarships.

Introduction of exhibited works

Maria Vik <at the church>
1884 oil on canvas, 56.0 x 46.5 cm


A girl who prays with a straight line of sight.
It looks like I'm going to turn my eyes on my pure eyes without hesitation.

Helen Schallbeck <Fortune teller (yellow dress woman)>
1926 oil on canvas, 65.5 x 51.0 cm

It is a work that is characterized by pale color overall.
The fortune teller in the yellow dress is called Rin.

Ellen Tesslev <Finnish Spring>
1942 oil on canvas, 70.0 x 54.5 cm

The image of the girl who felt uplifted by the arrival of spring is colorfully depicted.

(Right)
Seagrid Shoman <Self Portrait>
No annual oil, canvas 41.0 × 32.5 cm

(Left)
Seagrid Shoman <Elisabetz Volf>
1940 oil on canvas, 42.0 x 33.5 cm

These works seem to be portraits that can not be clearly identified.
It is strange that as you admire it, you will feel as if a rich expression comes to the surface.

(Right)
Erga Seseman <street>
1945 oil on canvas, 73.5 x 54.0 cm

(Left)
Elga Seseman <at the cafe>
1945 oil, cardboard 73.0 × 49.5 cm

The work on the right depicts the landscape of a devastated street.
It's a bit loneliness, but it reminds me of a movie scene with the back of a person walking on the right.

In contrast, the work on the left.
Women who are dressed in new fashion have a determination to survive the new era of Finland.

Seagrid Ahu Folssels <youth>
1880s Bronze 42.0 × 43.0 × 26.0 cm

A nice-looking woman.
The expression full of hope does not make us feel any fear of the future.

Summary

Finnish female artists who have developed their career while opening up the position and role of women in society. From their work, you can feel not only Finnish culture but also the foundation of gender equality and women's social advancement. The venue was full of the enthusiasm of those who stared into the works of such artists.

Would you like to come to this exhibition and experience the heat by yourself?

Outline of the event

Exhibition name Japan-Finland Diplomatic Relations 100th Anniversary Modern Woman-Female Artists Coloring Finnish Art
Session June 18 (Tuesday)-September 23 (Mon.), 2019
9:30-17:30 (30 minutes before closing)
(However, open on Fridays and Saturdays until 21:00)
closing day Closed Monday and July 16 (Tuesday).
※ Opened on July 15 (Mon., Holiday), August 12 (Mon., Closed), September 16 (Mon., Holiday), September 23 (Mon., Holiday).
Venue National Museum of Western Art (Ueno Park)
Fee for viewing General 500 yen (400 yen), university student 250 yen (200 yen)
※ Under high school students and under 18 years old, 65 years old or later free of charge (please show the student ID or the one that can confirm the age when entering the library).
※ () is group rate of 20 or more
※ The disabled person and one carer are free. It is necessary to present handicapped person's certificate etc. at the time of admission. This exhibition and the permanent exhibition are free to view on Fridays and Saturdays at night (17:00 – 21:00) and on the second and fourth Saturdays every month. * You can see this exhibition with the same exhibition viewing ticket only on the day of the "National Western Art Museum 60th Anniversary Matsukata Collection Exhibition" (June 11-September 23) Viewing.
Official site https://www.nmwa.go.jp/jp/exhibitions/2019modernwoman.html

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