In the Bikan Historical Area of Kurashiki, there are buildings associated with Ohara Magosaburo, the founder of the Ohara Museum of Art.
One of them is Yurin-so Villa.
It is not usually open to the public, but you can visit during special exhibitions held twice a year.
This spring of 2023, the time has come to enjoy Yurin-so Villa.
The special exhibition held in spring is said to be the first in four years.
We introduce a special exhibition titled Monochrome: Colors Resonating with Space.
Photography is usually prohibited inside Yurin-so Villa. This time, we have received special permission to take photos.
What is Yurin-so Villa
Yurin-so Villa was built in 1928 as private residence and guesthouse for Ohara Magosaburo.
The concept began with Magosaburo's concern for his ailing wife, creating a space where the family could relax together, ultimately resulting in a building that also served as a guesthouse.
It is a splendid building that combines elements of Western architecture and Japanese architecture.
The designer was Yakushiji Kazue.
He is also known for designing the Ohara Museum of Art and others.
Not only is the building splendid, but the garden outside the windows is also beautiful.
The large Kurama stone, which is now hard to obtain, and lush greenery are beautifully maintained.
The fresh greenery of the garden can be fully enjoyed during the spring special exhibition.
Special Opening of Yurin-so Villa in Spring 2023: What is "Monochrome: Colors Resonating with Space"
The spring special exhibition is the first in four years due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Exhibition Period | April 28, 2023 (Friday) to May 7, 2023 (Sunday) - Open every day during the exhibition |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Last entry at 3:30 PM |
| Admission Fee | Yurin-so Ticket: General 1,000 yen, High School/Junior High/Elementary School Students 500 yen Set Ticket: General 2,500 yen, High School/Junior High/Elementary School Students 1,000 yen * The set ticket allows you to visit both Yurin-so Villa and the Ohara Museum of Art |
The theme this time is Monochrome: Colors Resonating with Space.
As the name suggests, 12 monochrome works from the Ohara Museum of Art's collection will be exhibited.
Monochrome refers to a gradient made with a single color.
Most of the works use either white or black, and the simplicity of the colors allows for various ways to enjoy them.
Many of the works are making a rare appearance, making the opportunity to view them quite valuable.
The exhibition includes three rooms: the Western-style room and Japanese-style room on the first floor, and the Japanese-style room on the second floor.
Each room has a different theme, allowing visitors to experience completely different atmospheres.
How will you feel when viewing monochrome works alongside the architecture and garden of Yurin-so Villa?
This special exhibition invites you to enjoy the entire space of Yurin-so Villa while spending a leisurely time.
Introduction of Some Exhibited Works
Here are some of the exhibited works from "Monochrome: Colors Resonating with Space."
Seven Black Elements with Squares: Kazimir Malevich's "Suprematism: 34 Drawings"
This work was created in 1920 by Kazimir Malevich, who is originally from present-day Ukraine.
It can be viewed in the Japanese-style room on the first floor.
Malevich, one of the pioneers of abstract painting, is known for his strength in thinking and expressing his works theoretically.
He also published writings on the practice of the art he pursued.
One page of that is the work being exhibited this time.
The world of black and white is expressed by boldly simplifying the elements.
When viewed up close, the work may feel unique, but from a distance, it interestingly harmonizes with the architecture of Yurin-so Villa.
Outside the window, the garden plants are vibrant, and the contrast between the vivid colors of nature and the monochrome of the work is also a highlight.
This work can be viewed until May 2, 2023. From the following day, another work will be exhibited behind it.
White Porcelain Vase
This work, displayed in the Japanese-style room on the second floor, was created by Tomi Moto Kenkichi in 1931.
It is characterized by the softness of white and the clarity of the angles created by the facets.
The light coming in from the window highlights the angles beautifully.
The only color used is white, but it is a work that shows various expressions depending on the angle.
Please enjoy it from different directions as many times as you like.
Next to it, there is also a work by the British ceramic artist Bernard Leach.
Feeling the harmony and contrast with other works is also a unique way to enjoy this special exhibition.
Conclusion
What is interesting about the special opening of Yurin-so Villa in spring 2023 is that you can enjoy the works through everything you see, including the scenery outside the windows.
Take your time to closely observe the works, and then enjoy the entire Yurin-so Villa before re-evaluating the works.
I felt that the highlight of this special exhibition is being able to enjoy it multiple times.
Mr. Otsuka, a curator at the Ohara Museum of Art, has said the following.
The Golden Week, a season of fresh greenery, is upon us.
Please enjoy a special moment at Yurin-so Villa.
Articles about Yurin-so Villa
Monochrome has long been a theme that attracts many artists, regardless of East or West.
I believe there is significance in holding an exhibition themed around monochrome in Yurin-so Villa, where Eastern and Western architectural styles are fused.
Please enjoy the harmony between the works and the architecture of Yurin-so Villa, as well as the contrast with the greenery of the garden and the blue of the sky.