The 'Tokyo Hyaku' exhibition at Tokaido Hiroshige Museum
Tokyo, revisited
From November 28th 2017, the Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum in Shizuoka City will present the "Tokyo Hyaku" exhibition, a modern photographic reinterpretation of the "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo" by artist Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858), by Italian photographer Giuseppe De Francesco.
Through two visions and one place, discover Edo through traditional woodblock prints, then rediscover Tokyo through related photographs. Developed over two years, this is the project of Giuseppe De Francesco, an Italian photographer based in the Tokyo area.
The hundred famous views of Edo
Hundreds of pictures of Edo were produced by Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige in the later years of his life. Unveiled to the public in 1856, their popularity was so great that in just one year, 100 prints were published! Additional works were added to the collection in subsequent years. Some of the engravings were made by the artist's son, Utagawa Hiroshige II. The exhibition will include 107 of the 120 prints in the series.
A tribute to Hiroshige
In order to come as close as possible to the vision of the master of wood engraving, De Francesco was keen to respect the seasons of each image: the collection is organized into four distinct seasons, like the prints. The Italian's series of photos make for a fascinating discovery of scenes of Tokyo in modern times - offbeat, with humor and originality.
Read also: Visit Tokyo in the footsteps of Hiroshige
Useful information
- First part of the exhibition: from November 28th to December 27th, 2017.
- Second part of the exhibition: from January 5th to February 4th, 2018.
Also note that on Sunday, December 3rd, Giuseppe De Francesco will be there in person at 1pm for a meeting and discussion.
Access: 297-1, Yui, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture 421-3103; get off at Yui station on Tokaido Honsen line, then 25 min walk or 5 min taxi.
Admission: adults 500 yen; students 300 yen
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm