Thieves Depicted by Ekin Exhibition

About this event

Held at the Act Museum in Konan City, Kochi Prefecture, the "Thieves Depicted by Ekin Exhibition" focuses on the story of Ishikawa Goemon as painted by Ekin, exploring why people found beauty in "villainy" through various "thieves" active in Edo period literature. This exhibition displays all 25 pieces (24 currently extant) of the masterpiece ema lanterns "Kamagafuchi Futatsudomoe" together in the Ekin School Art Gallery. Introducing the works with a focus on Ishikawa Goemon's expressive facial expressions, gestures, and key story highlights, visitors can feel a close connection to the artwork's appeal while enjoying the characters' emotions and storyline. In addition to Ekin's signature powerful depictions, comical expressions can also be enjoyed. Similar to kabuki screen paintings, ema lanterns were displayed on summer festival nights at shrines, crafted by applying Japanese washi paper over box-shaped wooden frames and viewed under candlelight placed inside. Viewing the ema lanterns under the flickering candlelight further enhances the festive evening atmosphere. The lighting dims and brightens to recreate the festival night ambiance of the era, and audio guides are available using your own smartphone. Non-flash photography is permitted inside the exhibition hall (video recording is not allowed).

Venue

Creation Square Actland Act Museum

928-1 Otani, Noichi-cho, Konan, Kochi 781-5233