HIROSHIGE'S 100 FAMOUS VIEWS OF EDO (feat. Takashi Murakami)

The Brooklyn Museum proudly reintroduces "100 Famous Views of Edo" by Utagawa Hiroshige, after a 24-year hiatus. This exhibition showcases Hiroshige’s renowned series of prints from 1856-58, which depict the dynamic urban and environmental transformations of Edo, the city now known as Tokyo. The prints are celebrated for their vibrant colors, preserved from extensive periods in darkness, marking this set as one of the world’s most pristine. The focus of this exhibition is not merely on the technical prowess of Hiroshige's work or its influence on European artistry but more on the urban narratives that these images encapsulate. Visitors are invited to traverse through the changing seasons of mid-19th century Edo, witnessing the daily lives and cultural activities of its residents, complemented by modern photographs that bridge Hiroshige’s past with the present Tokyo.

Adding a contemporary layer to this historic exploration, Japanese artist Takashi Murakami introduces his unique response to Hiroshige's series through a set of fantastical paintings. Born in Tokyo in 1962, Murakami draws on the traditional themes and aesthetics of his predecessor while propelling them into surreal, modern-day visions. This juxtaposition offers museum-goers a unique opportunity to reflect on Hiroshige’s enduring influence on global art history, recontextualizing his work within today's artistic narratives. The dual display of Hiroshige’s timeless views alongside Murakami’s avant-garde interpretations creates a dialogue between the Edo period and contemporary times, enriching the viewer’s experience of historical and modern Japanese culture.