Message from the Director

Greeting

As the new fiscal year begins, I would like to extend my greetings to all.
 
Two years ago, the Museum of Modern Art, Hayama celebrated its 20th anniversary. From late September of last year to March of this year, exhibitions at Hayama Museum were suspended to carry out renovation work, to reinforce the walls, which had weakened over time due to the repeated installation of fixtures for displaying artwork.
 
After a six-month hiatus, we are pleased to resume exhibitions in the gallery, beginning with Rediscovered Japanese-style Paintings in the Collection and "Ukiyo-e Artists Related to Tsutaya Juzaburo" by Kataoka Tamako. This will be followed in the summer by Ueda Yoshihiko: From the Hip, and in the fall and winter by Wakae Kanji and Joseph Beuys: Photographed Documents of Beuys in Japan and Europe and Uchima Ansei and Toshiko. The Kamakura Annex will also host exhibitions showcasing the museum's collection and solo exhibitions by two active artists, Kawaguchi Kimio and Fukuda Naoyo. These upcoming exhibitions will feature a diverse range of artistic expression, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, and installation, each engaging with Hayama and Kamakura's unique surroundings and spaces.
 
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Since its establishment in 1951, just six years after the war, the museum has steadily pursued its mission, even in the face of difficult social and economic circumstances. As the museum nears its 75th anniversary, I believe it will be called upon to navigate even greater transformations in response to the profound changes shaping our society and environment today. Faced with these circumstances, I am even more conscious of what an art museum should be, what it should preserve for the future, and the importance of change for it to remain consistent. With a commitment to honoring the past, engaging with the present, and embracing the future, we will continue to evolve while staying true to our core values. It is our hope that the museum remains a place of inspiration and significance for many, and we deeply appreciate your continued support and collaboration in the years to come.
 

April 2025
NAGATO Saki, Director