Welcome to The New SMoA Collection, an exhibition showcasing Shiga Museum of Art’s (SMoA) new acquisitions, gifts and lomg-term loan items, particularly those newly added to our permanent collection in FY2024.
In accordance with our collection policy, our museum collects (1) modern Japanese-style painting, with a focus on Nihon Bijutsu-in (the Japan Art Institute), (2) arts and crafts related to Shiga Prefecture, (3) postwar American and Japanese contemporary art, (4) Art Brut, and (5) works that represent diversity in the arts and culture. Based on this policy, we collected 28 works by 15 creators in FY2021, 161 works by 46 creators in FY2022, 590 works by 64 creators in FY2023, and 140 works by 32 creators in FY2024.
This exhibition features one item newly added to our permanent collection in FY2021, two items added in FY2022, and 119 items added in FY2024. These include several works by creators with a connection to Shiga, such as Lakeside in Early Spring by Kuroda Jutaro (②); Pongee Weave Fukusa Cloth by Shimura Fukumi (②); Untitled by Hashimoto Tomonari, a ceramic artist with an atelier in Shiga (②, ⑤); a trove of works by Umetsu Yoichi (②, ⑤); and Big Game by Masumoto Keiko (②, ③). They also include ♯5 by the American artist Joe Goode (③) and Untitled by Hirata Takeshi, a creator who sketched new works every day from his hospital bed (④). Umetsu Yoichi, Hashimoto Tomonari and Masumoto Keiko represent a new generation of young artists making their debuts in our collection. Their works take proud place alongside those by Kuroda Jutaro and Shimura Fukumi, two creators with an established presence at our museum. Our modern art and Art Brut collection is also growing richer and more complete by the year.
For art museums, the ongoing assemblage of new works is a vital part of building appealing collections and staging more fulfilling exhibitions. From here on, we will continue collecting works based on our aforementioned collection policy.
Finally, we would like to offer our heartful gratitude to everyone who gifted or loaned their precious works.