Interview with Shota Okazaki
We interviewed Shota Okazaki, a staff member at the Ohara Museum of Art.
The interview was conducted during our first visit in March 2019.
A museum must not be a stagnant display hall: the philosophy of the Ohara Museum of Art
Could you tell us about the aims and philosophy of the Ohara Museum of Art?
Okazaki (surname only)
Magosaburo's eldest son, Ohara Soichiro, who succeeded him, said, “A museum must not be merely a stagnant display hall like a warehouse; it must always be alive and growing.”
In 2019, 89 years had passed since its founding, but the vision of Magosaburo and Soichiro is still alive today. The staff share a common understanding of the museum's philosophy and mission, and of what a museum should be.
What kind of mission is that?
Okazaki
One part of it is a mission toward art and artists.
Today, Monet and Renoir are considered “popular artists of the past,” but when their works were collected, they were living artists creating “contemporary art.”
The Ohara Museum of Art has always been a museum devoted to “contemporary art.” It did not simply acquire works by artists from the past whose reputations were already established.
Even today, the museum supports living artists through production assistance, special exhibitions, and the purchase of works.
Next is its mission toward visitors.
It should be a place where all visitors, without distinction, can engage with art.
The museum also carries out an especially large number of outreach activities to help children become familiar with art, compared with other museums in Japan.
The new exhibition wing features works that make art feel close at hand
Which part of the main building do you personally like best, Mr. Okazaki?
Okazaki
That's a difficult question. There are many, but if I had to choose, perhaps the new exhibition wing, beyond El Greco's The Annunciation on the second floor. The current exhibition there features many abstract paintings.
I think that if you focus only on “what is depicted” in an abstract work, there will be nothing left to see. The works here invite you to consider how they are painted, how they make you feel, and to reflect on yourself through the paintings.
You can enjoy encountering the unfamiliar, and perhaps feel that art is closer at hand.
When art becomes interesting, everything you see becomes interesting
Have you always been deeply involved with art, Mr. Okazaki?
Okazaki
Actually, no. In fact, until I started this job, I had unconsciously put up a barrier between myself and art.
But I learned how to approach paintings, so to speak. I realized that you don't need much knowledge to look at art; you can simply begin by engaging with the work itself, and I found that fascinating.
Once I came to truly feel that art is interesting, everything I looked at became interesting.
I started paying closer attention to all kinds of things, not just paintings, and it has enriched my life.
What makes you happy at work?
Okazaki
When I can share a feeling with a visitor. I feel happy when I sense that the distance between a visitor and art has grown smaller.
Reflections on the visit and after the interview
Isako's reflections
To be honest, I don't usually look at artworks, but I enjoyed it. It was fascinating and full of depth.
I'd like to come back and take my time again.
After the interview
The philosophy of the Ohara Museum of Art, born from Magosaburo and Torajiro's passion “for the sake of Japanese art,” is still alive today.
I felt that this was a space filled with the passion and energy of so many people: those who created the works, those who collected them, and those who protect them while helping others appreciate them.
Taking your time to admire wonderful art is surely a truly sublime experience!
There is more to see than world-famous masterpieces. You can look for favorites and things that intrigue you, or admire the buildings and scenery. You're sure to encounter something “interesting.”
By all means, step inside the Ohara Museum of Art.
Articles about the Ohara Museum of Art
Ohara Museum of Art Information
| Name | Ohara Museum of Art |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-1-15 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-0005 |
| Parking | None |
| Opening hours | 【December–February】 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (last admission: 2:30 p.m.) 【March–November】 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last admission: 4:30 p.m.) |
| Closed | Mondays Open when a Monday falls on a national holiday or substitute holiday Closed during the winter; may also close temporarily |
| Admission (tax included) | 【General admission】 Adults: ¥2,000 High school, junior high school, and elementary school students (under 18): ¥500 |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Available No reservation required for individuals |
| Smoking | Entire facility is non-smoking |
| Restrooms | Western-style restrooms, accessible restrooms |
| Families with children | Nursing room, diaper-changing tables, stroller rental The nursing room is in the Craft Museum Diaper-changing tables are on the second floor of the Main Building and in the Craft Museum |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair rental, ramps, accessible restrooms, elevator |
| Website | Ohara Museum of Art Official Website |
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