This series of open exhibitions, which offers opportunities for artists to make their works public, was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we are resuming the exhibition this year while implementing thorough infection prevention measures. The guideline for applicants will be released in April. We are awaiting applications and the attendance of those associated with Hyogo.

This series aims to introduce remarkable young artists to the public. This time (on the 12th occasion), we will be featuring the Hyogo-born and Hyogo-based artist Iikawa Takehiro (1981– ). Iikawa’s work focuses on the uncertainty of human cognition and events that are often overlooked in society. Exhibits include his latest work, the Decorator Crab series, which challenges the viewer’s awareness and inspires their active responses.

The Premium Exhibition series in 2021 is scheduled based on the calendar year, not the fiscal year. This is the first event in 2021, introducing our museum’s works that were displayed in government-sponsored exhibitions and group exhibitions; items from these exhibitions will be displayed in their respective areas. In addition to the items under the main theme, there will be many works, including prints by Max Ernst and Joan Miró, modern and contemporary sculptures, and items from the memorial rooms of Koiso Ryohei and Kanayama Heizo.

This commemorative exhibition introduces the two collections that our museum acquired through donations in 2019. The main exhibits include a collection from the former Egawa Museum, known for masterpieces of tea ceremony utensils and Japanese paintings from the Heian period to the early modern period. Another focus of this exhibition is the works of Wu Changshuo (1844–1927) from the Chinese calligraphy and painting collection owned by the seal artist Bai Joteki. Wu is known as the “last literary person” from the Qing period, a master of poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal engraving.

Why are these works here in front of you this very moment? This exhibition shows the “personal history” of each work selected from the new collection the museum acquired last year and items donated by the Ito Cultural Foundation, which celebrates its 40th anniversary of establishment this year.

This is a series of exhibitions that started in 1989, allowing visitors to touch and feel the artwork. This year’s edition features Tomohiro Higashikage (1978– ). Viewers will be greatly inspired by his works depicting animal’s heads with elaborately reproduced pores, body hair, skin damaged over time, and coal-black eyes. This exhibition provides visitors with an opportunity to feel closer to the creator’s artistic ideas and actions by directly touching the works. (Postponed from 2020)