The Memphis Botanic Garden (MBG) is pleased to announce they will host The Superlative Artistry of Japan, a traveling exhibition from the Japan Foundation, in their Visitors Center from August 17 through September 11. This exhibition presents a cohesive collection of works and materials from various genres that each place great emphasis on highly skilled techniques, ingenious expressions and concepts, and a high level of perfection that takes viewers by surprise. Meiji era (1868-1912) works that influenced the 19th century European trend of Japonism are displayed alongside contemporary works of ‘superlative artistry’ as well as cultural objects and food, all of which reflect a commitment to artistic craftsmanship.
The Japan Foundation is Japan’s only institution dedicated to carrying out comprehensive international cultural exchange programs throughout the world. To cultivate friendship and ties between Japan and the world, the Japan Foundation creates global opportunities to foster friendship, trust, and mutual understanding through culture, language, and dialogue.
“For many years MBG has worked closely with the Japan Foundation, Japan-America Society of Tennessee, Consulate Generals of Japan in Nashville, and the Japanese Language program at the University of Memphis all in efforts to share the culture and art of Japan,” said Gina Harris, Director of Education & Events. “From walks of our Japanese Garden to festivals that serve thousands of guests, we strive to promote and share the beauty of this culture with our visitors. We are delighted to be able to share this rich & diverse exhibition with Memphis and hope guests leave with a deeper understanding of Japanese art and culture.”
The Superlative Artistry of Japan debuted in 2017 at the Japan Information Center, Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago, and has since been exhibited in numerous countries including Germany, Spain, U.K., Mexico, Canada, Slovenia, and Guatemala. Memphis will be only the fourth city in the United States to host the exhibition.
The exhibition includes work by artists Satoshi Araki, Riusuke Fukahori, Naoki Honjo, Takahiro Iwasaki, Takeshi Kitamura, Kimiyo Mishima, Naoki Nisiwaki, Yoshihiro Suda, Yasuhiro Suzuki, Hiroaki Umeda, Akira Yamaguchi, Ichiyo Yamamoto / Meiji era Kogei works, plus food samples and capsule toy figures.
The exhibition is free and open to the public. The artwork is on view in the Visitors Center during normal Garden hours. Please note on August 25 and September 8 the Garden will close at 3 pm. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, August 20, from 3-5 pm.
A special thank you to the Japan Foundation.
For directions and more information, visit the Memphis Botanic Garden website at https://membg.org
The Memphis Botanic Garden is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to being an exemplary center for horticulture and environmental enrichment. Serving over 40,000 school-aged children annually, and hosting 260,000 visitors each year, Memphis Botanic Garden strives to enhance lives by connecting people with nature, increasing awareness and appreciation of our environment.