Fuchu Art Museum

Osaka-born Narashige Koide (1887–1931) was a pioneering figure in Western-style Japanese painting, and this comprehensive exhibition at the Fuchu Art Museum marks his first major retrospective in 25 years. A graduate of the Tokyo University of the Arts, Koide produced a prolific body of work in oil painting, focusing primarily on still lifes and female nudes. It was his portrayals of the female nude, however, that earned him lasting acclaim. Particularly notable are the works produced during the final five years of his life, following his move to Ashiya in 1926. These paintings defined his signature style and celebrated the beauty of the female form. The exhibition features key works from each period of Koide’s oeuvre, tracing his contributions to early 20th-century Japanese art. You can also expect to see a selection of sketches, book designs, illustrations and writings that highlight his wide-ranging creative talents beyond painting.