Workshop at home! Let’s experience the art of Taro Okamoto.

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"Art belongs to the masses" is a word left by artist Taro Okamoto. He prefers "public art" that anyone can enjoy anytime, rather than the art that cannot be seen without paying the entrance fee, and has left many works. Here in Shibuya, there are some Taro's works in town and public facilities.

▲ The spot where you can see Taro's works near Shibuya. Upper left = in front of the old "Kodomo Castle", lower left = National Yoyogi Stadium, upper right = NHK Studio Park, lower right = Aoyama / Taro Okamoto Memorial (former residence / atelier)

For example, the huge mural "Tomorrow's Myth" installed in the passageway of SHIBUYA MARKCITY and "Kodomono no Ki" in the square of Aoyama Theater, the castle of the old children, are very well known works. In addition, in the entrance hall of the NHK Studio Park, the relief "Melt in the sky" to memorialize the deceased staff, and in the South Lobby of the Yoyogi National Gymnasium No. 1 Gymnasium, the relief "eyes" on the theme of the human figure challenging the limit through sports. Five points, "hands", "feet", "run" and "competit", and "profiling" are displayed in the guest lobby. I'm sure many people have seen it.

▲ A huge mural "Tomorrow's Myth" in the passageway of Shibuya Station

Among them, "Tomorrow's Myth" is a big asset of Shibuya. This work is drawn with the motif of the tuna fishing boat "Fifth Dragon Dragon Maru" that was exposed in the 1954 U.S. hydrogen bomb test, and depicts the terrible world centered on the human figure scattered in all directions at the moment of the atomic bomb explosion. Often confronted with Picasso's "Guernica". At first glance, it can be taken as a horrifying and negative work that depicts anti-war, but as you can see from the title "Tomorrow's Myth", it can be received as a positive message that Taro leaves for future humanity. When we look at this mural painting, we hope that the day will come when people of the future can talk about the mistakes of past human beings in a mythical way, as if we were looking at a cave painting painted in ancient times. I think that Taro wants to tell us that the current severe and difficult environment can be overcome. I can't help feeling the power of this painting in the corona vortex.

At the Kawasaki City Taro Okamoto Museum, which is temporarily closed due to the declaration of an emergency, I wanted to enjoy Taro's works at home,TARO atelier everywhere"Started a web project. Ideas that children and adults can enjoy, such as coloring books for Taro works and workshops, are being introduced at any time.
▲ "Taro Okamoto Museum of Art, Kawasaki" was opened on the website.TARO atelier everywhere"

This time, I would like to introduce a workshop on "Children's Tree" and "Myth of Tomorrow" that are familiar in Shibuya from "Anywhere TARO Atelier".

■ "Let's make it together! Children's Tree"

A workshop on "Children's Tree" in front of the Old Children's Castle.
The children's tree has faces with various expressions at the ends of the branches that extend from the trunk, and while looking for faces and making funny faces, you can play around the work. "Let's make it together! Kodomo no Ki" is to paint this unique face and expression on your own.
There are 13 unique faces on the web that you can freely color, cut out and stick on the ends of the branches to enjoy. I want you to make your own "Children's Tree".
▲ After painting, put your face on the tip of the branch of "Children's Tree"!

■ "A little formidable? TARO coloring book"

In addition, data on the coloring pages for three works, "Myth of Tomorrow", "Klima", and "Memorial Photo" are available on the website.

I painted the "myth of tomorrow" at Shibuya station below, but the color pencils are a bit lacking in vividness. Watercolor and pastel are more likely to be finished in a brighter Taro-like work.
Please try Taro's works, which are characterized by energetic and vivid colors.

Now that you can't go out to see public art as well as museums as you continue to refrain from going out, why not try Taro's work at home?

Editorial department · Fuji Itakashi

Shibuya registrar. In addition to Shibuya of Culture information, seasonal news and topics, it will spell write that feel every day.