Get to know Japanese painter Fuku Akino

Before introducing the exhibition rooms, we would like to talk about the Japanese painter, Akino Fukunori.

Photo: Courtesy of Akino Fuku Museum

Fuku Akino

Born here in Futamata-cho, Tenryu-ku, Hamamatsu City in 1908, he studied under Hibiki Ishii and then Suisho Nishiyama at the age of 19. At the age of 28, he was awarded a prize at the 11th year of the Showa period (1936), and accumulated achievements in government exhibitions from early on. Shortly after the war, he participated in the formation of Sozo Bijutsu with the aim of creating new Japanese paintings. Incorporating the characteristics of Western painting, he established a new style. At the age of 54, he became a visiting professor at an Indian university. During his stay in India, he was fascinated by the land, and began to draw motifs such as Indian landscapes, people, and temples. I will also travel to Japan and connect it to the idea of the work. At the age of 66, he became a professor emeritus at Kyoto City University of Arts. At the age of 75, he became an honorary citizen of Tenryu City (now Hamamatsu City), and was awarded the Order of Culture at the age of 91. He continued to paint until his death in 2001 at the age of 93.

The character “fuku” is a pseudonym. Raising six children, she had a busy life as a mother, but she found time to draw and teach. There are many.

It is assumed that she was not interested in the flower, bird, wind, and the moon often depicted in Japanese painting, but rather depicted everyday life as seen through her own eyes, and believed that this muddiness was what made her human and what made her truly beautiful.

Mr. Fuku's photographs convey a dignified strength behind her soft, gentle smile. Her works also convey this, but it seems that she actually had such a personality, and there is no one to speak ill of her. Some locals are so happy to call her, "My town's Ms. Fuku-san!"

Appreciating artworks with bare feet (1) Rattan Goza Exhibition Room 1

Let's enter the exhibition room.

*Usually photography is prohibited in the exhibition room. This time, we received special permission to take pictures.

This is the first exhibition room. The first characteristic is the rattan mat floor.

Fujimori thought, ``I don't like the lack of stains in Mr. Fuku's paintings, and his shoes don't look good on his shoes. To enjoy that feeling of cleanliness, I'd like people to see it barefoot.'' It is said that he was careful about presenting to clients. Perhaps there is no precedent for a museum where you can appreciate things with bare feet.

And the walls and ceiling are plastered. In one of Mr. Fuku's later paintings, ``White is the best way to show how the large-grained rock paint is drawn vigorously. There are only two things that can satisfy all of these: plaster and white marble.”

The soft light and the feel of your feet that are united with the work will make you forget the time and just stare blankly at the painting.

The cool texture of rattan mats with gentle unevenness is pleasant to the touch.

The cave-like exhibition room has a low ceiling and the works are displayed low, so you can enjoy sitting down.

Appreciating works of art with bare feet (2) Marble second exhibition room

After passing through the first exhibition room, which is covered with rattan mats, a white, bright space with a high ceiling opens.

It is the second exhibition room and the main exhibition room of this museum. The ceiling and walls are plastered, and the floor is marble. Instead of being polished to a smooth finish, the unevenness of the stone is left behind, giving it a smooth matte texture that fits perfectly with Ms. Fuku's work.

The air feels soft and dignified. It is one of Mr. Fuku's characteristics to display his works low, as if vivid paintings are floating in a white space. This may be the root of healing.

This exhibition room is also famous as "exhibition room like the other world".

Sit like this and enjoy yourself.

The second exhibition room is square, and the light from the skylight falls in the center. The marble in the center floats vaguely, as if bathed in the spotlight.

Japanese painter Fuku Akino's work

The Akino Fuku Museum changes its exhibits three to four times a year and also hosts special and temporary exhibitions. This time, "From the Site of Akino Fuku's Work II: Brushes Dedicated to Goddesses" (6/22/2019 - 8/4/2019) was held. The exhibition featured a wide range of works from her early years to her later years, focusing on goddesses and women, as well as sketches (drawings) before they became works of art.

Her early works are impressive with delicate lines and colors and realistic portraits. The work in the foreground is called "Sisters".

"Sisters" drawing. You can see how she creates a work by drawing many times from various angles.

This is a later work, depicting the Indian goddess of water and fertility "Nagini". A sketch on the left.

"Indian woman" (left) and "sitting" (right). The color uses rock paint.

In addition to the expression and atmosphere of the motifs drawn, the brushes and colors are unique and captivating.

"Udayagiri I" (left) and "Group of Women" (right)

Various other works are also on display. Even if you don't know the details, just looking at them makes you feel at ease. Please take your time and appreciate the space.