The Bikan Historical Area, a tourist destination, has been swayed by the number of COVID-19 infections over the past few years.
Many events that were usually held every year were either changed or canceled, but in the autumn of 2022, the "annual event" finally returned.
Special Autumn Opening of Yurin-so Villa
Yurin-so Villa, the private residence of Ohara Magosaburo, the founder of the Ohara Museum of Art, is a special space that is open to the public only twice a year, in spring and autumn.
The title of the special opening after three years is "Matisse - Light and Color." I went to see it.
Photography is usually prohibited inside Yurin-so Villa. This time, we have received special permission to take photos.
What is "Yurin-so"?
Yurin-so Villa was built in 1928 (Showa 3) by Ohara Magosaburo, the founder of the Ohara Museum of Art, for his sickly wife.
The architectural design was done by Kazue Yakushiji, who also worked on the former China Bank Kurashiki Honmachi Branch (Shinkojima-kan (tentative name)) and the main building of the Ohara Museum of Art.
The architecture is a blend of Japanese and Western styles, and even to an untrained eye, one can feel the attention to detail throughout the building.
Special Opening of Yurin-so in Autumn 2022: "Matisse - Light and Color"
The building itself is impressive, but during the special opening of Yurin-so, a themed special exhibition is held each time, showcasing artworks.
In the autumn of 2022, works by the French painter Henri Matisse (1869-1954), known as the "Master of Color," are displayed with the theme of light and color.
The reason for the focus on "light" is related to the "place" of Yurin-so.
Now, let's take a look at the exhibition inside Yurin-so.
The "Western Room" Bathed in Bright Light
The Western room with a high ceiling and chandelier is enhanced by the bright light pouring in from the windows, including the reflection on the floorboards, highlighting the beauty of the room.
The "First Floor Japanese Room" with an Open and Calm Space
The Japanese garden spreads out in front, creating an open atmosphere, but overall it is dim and provides a calm space compared to the Western room.
The "Second Floor Japanese Room" in a Bright Space
Finally, we go to the second floor. On the way up the stairs, you can see the green tiled roof up close.
Yurin-so is also called the "Green Palace."
The second floor Japanese room is a bright and open space with a view of the Kurashiki River and more.
A colorful illustrated book by Matisse titled Jazz was on display.
Usually, partitions and other barriers are set up in museums, preventing visitors from getting too close to the artworks.
However, since Yurin-so was built as a "private residence," there are no such barriers, allowing visitors to appreciate the artworks in a way that feels like "paintings displayed in a home."
Conclusion
Chikako Takaoka, Chief Curator of the Ohara Museum of Art, spoke about the special opening of Yurin-so as follows.
The special exhibition at Yurin-so in autumn is being held from October 7 (Friday) to October 23 (Sunday), 2022.
When you visit, please pay attention to "light and color."
Articles about Yurin-so
Data for the Special Opening of Yurin-so in Autumn 2022: Matisse - Light and Color
| Name | Special Opening of Yurin-so in Autumn 2022: Matisse - Light and Color |
|---|---|
| Dates | From October 7 (Friday) to October 23 (Sunday) 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM * Last entry at 3:30 PM * Open every day during the event |
| Location | 1-3-18 Chuo, Kurashiki City |
| Admission Fee (including tax) | [Yurin-so Admission Fee] Adults: 1,000 yen High school, junior high, and elementary school students: 500 yen [Set Ticket] * Admission to both Yurin-so and Ohara Museum of Art Adults: 2,000 yen High school, junior high, and elementary school students: 1,000 yen |
| Website | Special Opening of Yurin-so in Autumn 2022: Matisse - Light and Color |
In museums, curators usually use special lights to adjust the display so that the beauty of the artworks can be conveyed effectively.
However, that is not possible in Yurin-so. I believe this is both a disadvantage and an advantage of Yurin-so.
During autumn, when the sun is gradually lowering, the sunlight changes moment by moment. Matisse himself placed great importance on "sunlight" in his art.
I thought this was a perfect opportunity to enjoy the works of a painter of light and color during this season, and that is why we created this exhibition.