During the special period of cherry blossom for all Japanese, the Museum of Kyiv History presented an exhibition dedicated to Japan – its unique nature, culture, and remarkable people. The exhibition features traditional Japanese Nanga school graphics and contemporary photographs by the renowned Ukrainian photographer Vera Blanche, who currently resides in Japan.
Japan is a country that captivates and inspires with its respectful attitude toward traditions despite the aggressive globalization of the world. There are countless enduring associations – blooming gardens, poetry, samurai, geisha, kimono. Or – technology, cuisine, fashion, and anime. How does such an astonishing blend of the traditional and the modern coexist?
“With this exhibition, we want to express our gratitude to Japan for the immense support provided to our people in the struggle against the aggressor, and for backing Ukraine on the international political stage. Last December, during a business trip to Japan, we had the fortune of meeting colleagues from the KYOСERA Museum of Arts in Kyoto – specialists, who helped thoroughly prepare this exhibition project, revealing the nuances of the Japanese painting collection gifted to Kyiv by its twin city Kyoto and now preserved in our museum,” emphasizes Diana Popova, General Director of the Museum of Kyiv History.
“For us, it is a great honor that the Museum of Kyiv History will host an exhibition featuring graphic works gifted to Kyiv by the city of Kyoto. Art consoles the human spirit beyond the limits of time and borders, and through this exhibition, we hope that our silent prayer for peace will reach the hearts of Kyiv’s residents,” says Koji Matsui, Mayor of Kyoto – Kyiv’s twin city.
The exhibition features two main thematic lines: around 20 works of Japanese landscape graphics from the collection of the Museum of Kyiv History, gifted to the capital in 1978 by the city of Kyoto together with the Nanga School Artists Association, and over 100 photographs by Ukrainian artist Vera Blansh.
“Sometimes it seems to me that the sun does not begin its journey in vain from this country, so that in pure innocence it can carry the warmth of its rays to other peoples from the best place where a new day can be born – from Japan,” shares renowned photographer and illustrator Vera Blansh. She not only found refuge in Japan but also began actively studying Japanese culture. Each of her photographs is an expression of admiration for the country, its strength, wisdom, and resilience of its people.
Japan has gifted the world the art of contemplation – the tradition of slowly observing the blooming of sakura or chrysanthemums, the changing colors of autumn leaves, or snow in winter. Despite all natural disasters and contemporary challenges, the Japanese strive to rejoice in life, recognizing that every moment is important and precious. The exhibition “Japan. Through Eyes and Heart” offers visitors the opportunity to see the magic of nature’s beauty – as depicted by the Japanese themselves – and to feel the contemporary heartbeat of the country – as captured by a Ukrainian. We are different, yet in many ways, remarkably alike.