In today’s world, where various events such as conflicts, pandemics, and environmental destruction create a sense of “chaos,” Seizo Tajima has continued his creative work while questioning what artists can do in such times. In this exhibition, Tajima is joined by three artists he deeply trusts — Erosu Nakazato, Yasumasa Fujita, and Yoshiyuki Ishigamori — each expressing their own interpretation of “chaos” through their unique methods. We invite you to enjoy this exhibition, which challenges new forms of expression never before attempted at the Picture Book and Tree Nuts Art Museum.
Exhibiting Artists:
Tashima Seizo, Nakazato Eros, Fujita Yasumasa, Ishigamori Yoshiyuki (Kumaikire)
Tashima Seizo, Drawing for “Military Boots”
Fujita Yasumasa, “Military Boots”
Nakazato Eros, “Chaos”
Fujita Yasumasa
Ishigamori Yoshiyuki (Kumaikire), “Flame Demon King”
Special Exhibition Talk Event
Artists featured in this exhibition will be invited as talk guests to share stories about their encounters with Tashima Seizo, insights into their creative processes, and thoughts on their future artistic activities.
- Date/Guest:
[Session 1] July 20 (Sun), 14:00- Tashima Seizo × Nakazato Eros
[Session 2] September 28 (Sun), 14:00- Tashima Seizo × Fujita Yasumasa & Ishigamori Yoshiyuki (Kumaikire) - Venue: Room “Kusamura” (1st floor), Picture Book and Tree Nuts Art Museum
- Fee: Free (museum admission or Common ticket required)
- Reservation: Not required
Artist Profiles
Tashima Seizo
Born in Osaka in 1940. He spent his childhood in Kochi Prefecture, rich in nature, and his original experiences there remain the root of his creativity. Starting with the Golden Apple Award at the Biennale of Illustrations in Bratislava (BIB) in 1969 for “Chikarataro(Strongman Taro),” he has received numerous awards including the Kodansha Publishing Culture Award, Shogakukan Picture Award, Picture Book Nippon Award, Japan Picture Book Award, and the Iwaya Sazanami Literary Award. Opened “Hachi & Seizo Tashima Museum of Picture Book Art” at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial in 2009. In 2013, he created “Blue Sky Aquarium” on Oshima Island in Kagawa Prefecture for the Setouchi Triennale, followed by “Forest Path” and “Life of N:70years on Osima-A room with a wooden pot”. He continues to create energetically.
Nakazato Eros
Born in Tokyo in 1954, he has been traveling around the world since 1971, and has been wandering in India and Afghanistan for a year since 1978. Maybe it still is, walking down a side street. In charge of art props for the theater company Hamidashi Gekijo, he founded Rasen studio in 1985 in Tachikawa, Tokyo. His works will be presented at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale in 2009 and 2024, and the Setouchi Triennale in 2019, 2022, and 2025.
Fujita Yasumasa
Born in Kanagawa in 1980.He began carving wood at an early age and apprenticed himself to a Buddhist priest. At the age of 28, he was involved in the launch of Sunwork Kaguya. In 2010, he planned and organized “Machi Asobi,” an art event to revitalize the local community, as well as the “Harmony Exhibition,” an art brut event. Other projects include artwork for the “Music Water Wheel Project” in Iwate and the “Reconstruction Assistance Festival” in Yokohama. The Niigata “Museum of Picture Book Art”and Fruit Art is planning a project called “8tope,” which connects rice paddies and biotopes. He is creating a new society with people with disabilities through art. Woodcarver. President of NPO Sunwork Kaguya.
Ishigamori Yoshiyuki(Kumaikire)
Born in Kanagawa in 1974. Graduated from Musashino Art University in 1998 with a degree in oil painting. While working on his first solo exhibition in 2004, he said to himself, “Yes, let’s paint bears!” and for the past 10 years, he has drawn nothing but bears. She began creating three-dimensional works after making animals out of clay during an activity at a kindergarten art school. Joined the production team with friends in Fujisawa from the 5th Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial “Doraku Organ Chichinpuipui” in 2012. In the same year, a three-dimensional work using kraft paper was born at the “The Classroom on the Third Floor Was the Sea” exhibition.
Hachi & Seizo Tashima Museum of Picture Book Art
Set in the former Sanada Elementary School, which was closed down, this artwork was born in 2009. Picture book artist Tashima Seizo created “The School Will Never Be Empty”, featuring the three real-life last students of the school as its main characters. The world of the picture book expands throughout the entire school building and grounds, forming a “spatial picture book” experience. In addition to the permanent installation, which is open to the public except during winter, special exhibitions are held regularly.
(Photo: Ishizuka Gentaro)
- Exhibition Period: July 19 (Sat) – November 24 (Mon), 2025
*Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except August 12 & 13 and national holidays - Hours: 10:00–17:00 (until 16:00 in October and November)
- Admission: Adults ¥800 / Elementary & Junior High School Students ¥400 or free with shared admission ticket
Summary
| Date and time |
July 19, 2025 - November 24, 2025 *Closed on Tue and Wed except holidays (open on 8/12,13) 10:00-17:00 (October and November 10:00-16:00) |
|---|---|
| Venue |
2310-1 Sanada Kou, Tokamachi-city, Niigata Prefecture |
| Admission | Adult ¥800, Children under 15 years old ¥400 or Common ticket |
Recommended Tours / Itineraries
Related Events
Stay connected with the ETAT official social media to receive the latest news and event information, and the many seasonal faces of Echigo-Tsumari as well as new issue of the ETAT official media, “Art from the Land”.
