Works 1960-1974. Through self-introspection and sincerely facing up to the realities of contemporary society, Fumio created works mainly on paper that freshly convey his characteristically delicate, but at the same time lucid sensitivity.
NAMBATA Fumio (1941-1974) produced a large number of wonderful works notable for their delicate lines and coloring. His watercolors, drawings, and his vivid life left a firm impression on postwar art in Japan. Fumio was the second son of NAMBATA Tatsuoki, one of the pioneers of abstract painting in Japan, and displayed an exceptional natural talent as a young man. Driven by a love for literature and music, he worked on his own, seeking an original approach for his art.
Through self-introspection and sincerely facing up to the realities of contemporary society, Fumio created works mainly on paper that freshly convey his characteristically delicate, but at the same time lucid sensitivity. Although his productive period spanned only a little over 10 years, he created a startling number of works. His general reputation is of a painter of themes from youth, but artistically, his skills were already sufficiently advanced and developed, surpassing simple maturity to come full circle and acquire a great variety and richness. This exhibition is planned to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Fumio's birth. It includes a careful selection of his works from the Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery's Terada Collection, and also presents many of his best and most well known works from other collections. These are complemented by the artist's diaries, sketchbooks, photographs, and other items to give a multi-faceted introduction of NAMBATA Fumio.
Image: Nambata Fumio
On the Lake, 1973
Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery
Opening January 14th, 2012
Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery
3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku - Tokyo