Till October 15^th, the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art will be holding the ‘Dream of Japan going around Van Gogh’ exhibition. The first ever collaboration between Japan and the Netherlands, the exhibition will be moving on to Tokyo and Kyoto after its stop in Sapporo.

The exhibition has approximately 40 of Van Gogh’s works and 50 Ukiyo-e prints taken from Japan and around the world on display. Consisting of two parts, the exhibition first takes us through Van Gogh’s journey into Ukiyo-e, and second, the works of Japanese artist’s that admired and were inspired by him.

Inspired by Japanese art and prints, Vincent Van Gogh spent much of his time during the height of Japonism collecting and discussing them with many artists of his time. Studying the colour, composition, and styles of these works, Van Gogh absorbed the different styles and fused it with his own, often recreating works in his own hand.

Works such as The Courtesan (after Eisen) are just one of the many works that he took to the canvas with his oils. As you move deeper into the exhibition, the progress of his style, the way in which he used colour and lines start to change, showing influences from his fascination with Japan and the art that he admired.

As I was taking note of all the information that caught my eye on my phone, I was approached quietly by one of the museum staff to kindly put away my phone. While I saw the signs that said ‘no phones’ before entering, it had completely slipped my mind soon after, or rather, I thought it applied only to speaking on phones. As it happened to me, I thought I’d remind everyone to put their phones away and take the time out to really delve into the mind of this great artist. If you’re worried and think you may want to look up information on your phone, fret not as the exhibition has both Japanese and English displays!

As I was taking note of all the information that caught my eye on my phone, I was approached quietly by one of the museum staff to kindly put away my phone. While I saw the signs that said ‘no phones’ before entering, it had completely slipped my mind soon after, or rather, I thought it applied only to speaking on phones. As it happened to me, I thought I’d remind everyone to put their phones away and take the time out to really delve into the mind of this great artist. If you’re worried and think you may want to look up information on your phone, fret not as the exhibition has both Japanese and English displays!

On the level above, there is also a sitting area with books to leave behind a message, very much like how the many artists who visited the Van Gogh after his death left behind messages in a guest book. In it you’ll see that once again, Van Gogh was able to bring together people of all ages, and to draw people from around the world.

If you have the time while in Hokkaido, be sure not to miss out on this great opportunity to look into what inspired one of the greatest artists of his time!

Price
*Tickets at the door
General: 1,500 yen
College and High school students: 800 yen
Junior high school student: 600 yen
*Free admission for visitors elementary school age or younger (accompanied by parent)

Address
〒060-0001
Hokkaido Prefecture, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 1Jo Nishi 17 Chome
Contact details
Tel: 011-644-688
Web: http://gogh-japan.jp/english/index.html
Opening hours
9.30am-5pm (Last admission at 4.30pm)
Fridays 9.30am-5.30pm (Last admission at 5pm)

Closed on:
Mondays, September 19, October 10
(Open the Mondays of September 18 and October 9)

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