Supporting postwar art in Nagano PrefectureSeki ShirogoroSeki Shirougoro(1908-1971). Throughout his life, Seki pursued the landscapes of the earth on which people live, the majestic mountains that watch over it, and the sky and sea that envelop everything. He created persuasive and original paintings with vibrant colors and unrestrained, straightforward brushstrokes.

Born in Yoshikawa, Matsumoto City, he was inspired by the work of Ryusei Kishida during his childhood, and decided to become a painter. He taught himself to paint, and exhibited his work at exhibitions such as the Shunyo Exhibition and the Nikaten Exhibition. At the age of 30, he moved to Tokyo.Moriichi KumagaiMorikazu KumagaiHe married at the age of 32 and was evacuated to Matsumoto, where he set up a studio in the suburban Asama Onsen hot springs, where he tirelessly painted the changing seasonal scenery of the Northern Alps and other landscapes that surrounded him on all four sides. He would sometimes take his canvas and paintbox with him to Kamikochi or Izu, where he could face the reality of nature up close.

Despite his frail health, he exhibited large works at the Shunyo Exhibition every year and held energetic solo exhibitions in Matsumoto, Tokyo, and other places. He also mentored the next generation of artists and made a major contribution to the art world in Nagano Prefecture, serving as secretary general of the Shinshu Art Association, which was established after the war.

Commemorating the 110th anniversary of Seki Shirogoro's birth, this exhibition looks back on his dedicated career as an artist, focusing on works from the Matsumoto City Museum of Art collection as well as representative works from art museums and private collections within the prefecture.