Felines and Femininity: The Symbolic World of Yumeji Takehisa
A Quiet Day in a Berlin Park, 1933
In the early 1930s, Takehisa Yumeji's studio became a hub for artists, inspiring ventures like the Mt. Haruna Art Research Institute. In 1931, Yumeji began a journey to the United States and Europe, supported by exhibitions of his work. While in the U.S. for 16 months, he continued to paint, creating pieces like Nude on the West Coast.
Afterward, Yumeji taught in Berlin until the school was closed by the Nazis. He returned to Japan in 1933, his overseas experiences shaping his final works. His last exhibition was held in Taipei that year. Yumeji passed away from tuberculosis in 1934, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and cultural exchange.
Kuronosuke 黒の助: a Legacy Little Black Cat(YouTube link)
Photo Gallery
The Yumeji Art Museum in Okayama exhibits many black cat paintings because the artist, Yumeji Takehisa, frequently featured them in his work, particularly in his bijin-ga (paintings of beautiful women). He loved depicting black cats as companions to his subjects, often portraying them as family members. In Japanese culture, black cats are considered symbols of good luck, especially for women, and Yumeji's art reflects this positive symbolism.
No comments:
Post a Comment