We went to the Iwaki City Museum of Art as part of our Future Design class. In Future Design, we decide on a theme and conduct research-based learning. Students from junior high, and elementary school who are researching art and design participated. There was a special exhibition being held by Tanikawa Shuntaro, who has a connection to Yumenomori. Tanikawa Shuntaro wrote the lyrics for the school song, “Yumenomori no Uta.” (Photography is permitted at the special exhibition.)
Shuntaro Tanikawa Picture Book Department Store Exhibition Saturday, April 19th – Sunday, June 8th, 2025
The poet, Shuntaro Tanikawa (1931-2024), who passed away in November 2024 at the age of 92, created as many as 200 picture books since the 1960s in collaboration with various artists and photographers. He used word play, clues to understanding the world, and the joy of nonsense. He continued to challenge himself to express through pictures and words the themes of the fun, difficulty, and preciousness of life, as well as death and war. What is common to his wide variety of picture books is Shuntaro Tanikawa’s hopeful gaze toward the reader.
This exhibition will feature about 20 picture books, including original illustrations created in collaboration with various creators, videos that bring to life pictures and words inspired by the picture books, recitations and sounds, giant picture scrolls, and original installation works. (From the Iwaki City Museum of Art website: https://www.city.iwaki.lg.jp/www/contents/1735276063311/index.html)
～Impressions～
・I thought Tanigawa’s writing was unique. It was a story that only Tanigawa could write.
・It was very interesting. I enjoyed it very much.
・For the picture book “Kop,” there was a display of cups that we were able to go inside. They looked distorted through the glass. I thought it was amazing that the inside was silver.
・After seeing all the different works, I thought he was a true professional.
・I enjoyed the section where you could lie down and watch the videos.
