Shikō Munakata, Mukō-machi: Crossing Point of Highways, from the Tōkaidō Series, 1964 (detail), photograph by Nicholas Knight and Eline Mul, Collection of Japan Society. © Shikō Munakata

Shikō Munakata: A Way of Seeing, Japan Society
Now on view through March 20, 2022

Now on view at Japan Society is their new presentation of nearly 100 path-breaking works by celebrated artist Shikō Munakata (1903-1975). The exhibition is drawn from Japan Society’s rare collection—the largest Munakata collection in the United States. Primarily known for his powerfully expressive woodblock prints, this exhibition reveals the breadth of Munakata’s oeuvre, which ranged from prints to calligraphy, sumi ink paintings, watercolors, lithography, and ceramics.

With his bold, spontaneous, and sketch-like lines, Munakata developed an innovative style that revolutionized the woodblock print. A highlight of the installation is his complete Tōkaidō Series (1964), a set of 61 newly rediscovered prints that depict scenes the artist witnessed while traveling along the vital coastal route between Tokyo and Kyoto, which Munakata extended to Osaka. This full set will be on view for the first time since 1965.

Read more and watch the Exhibition Preview Video, click here