Yasumasa Morimura – Rembrandt Room Revisited

Hara Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo

This museum building was originally built as a private home, designed by Jin Watanabe. It was completed in 1938 and shows influences derived from 1930s European modernist architecture, typical of the early Showa era. The former private estate of business tycoon Kunizo Hara (chairman of for instance Tokyo Gas and Japan Airlines) was turned into a museum in 1979. In 2008, the building saw a major renovation. Currently on show is Yasumasa Morimura – Rembrandt Room Revisited  (2013.10.12 – 12.23). It is a reprise of Morimura´s exhibition from 1994. The works are part of the Hara Museum Collection. 

Yasumasa Morimura is a Japanese appropriation artist, which means that he “borrows” works from historical artists, in this case Rembrandt, and inserts his own face and body. He is one of Japan´s most well-known artists.

As usual, this is an exhibition that doesn´t allow photos to be taken except for the permanent installation by Morimura (and not representative of his usual style of appropriation) entitled Rondo (1994), a conversion of one of the museum´s toilets. For this exhibition, the figure has been dressed in a new tweed outfit. 

Postcards from the museum shop

Have a great weekend everyone!

Cant´get enough? Morimura is also showing all new works at the Shiseido Gallery in Tokyo Ginza Shiseido Building (September 28 – December 25, 2013). The exhibition is entitled Las Meninas Renacen de Noche. Enjoy!

Naturalizer comfortable shoes – bring out the bling

Naturalizer Comfortable shoes

I have to admit that this advertising line doesn´t come off as a temperature riser. However, if you are stuck in office or uniform shoes (or just good old ordinary shoes in general) and have a day to evening event coming up, Japanese shoe departments sure have the solution for you. This is also an excellent opportunity to extend your shoe wardrobe without having to take space into consideration. Clip-ons, that come in a variety of designs, colours and price range!

These festive clip-on decorations will definitely make your evening sparkle. Have a great weekend everyone!

Ikebana – Japanese Flower Arrangement

Ikebana, Japanese flower arrangement, comes from the two words hana (bana) and ike. Hana means flower and ike(ru) to arrange plants. It started in the 6^th century as kuge, or offering of flowers at the Buddhist altar. Soon the arrangements became more elaborate and organized with flowers and branches that reached upwards and were arranged in a group of three, representing the relationship between heaven, earth and man. In the late 15^th century, priests, noblemen and samurai warriors made it into an erudite pastime and art. Today ikebana is sculptural, three-dimensional as it might be presented to be seen from all angles, an art of placement, aesthetic training for the eye and not to forget fun, challenging and a way to brighten up your day or surroundings alike. Why not spice up your autumn arrangement with some chilli to create dynamics? Freestyle arrangements in the spirit of the Sogetsu School.