[Kawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art, Chiba, Japan]

The towering Howl's Moving Castle! No, it's a huge three-dimensional work called "Lunéville" by the contemporary artist Frank Stella, who passed away last month at the age of 87. This is the Kawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture. The museum was established by Katsumi Kawamura (1905-99), the second president of Dainippon Ink and Chemicals (now DIC Corporation), who wanted to share the joy of painting with the public.

The Kawamura Memorial Museum of Art has a high-quality collection of works by such masters of 20th-century art as Picasso, Chagall, Kandinsky, Warhol, and Malevich. Of particular note is the "Rothko Room," which contains only works by Mark Rothko (1903-70). Rothko is often described as a representative of the abstract expressionist painters active in the U.S., but he was a somewhat unique artist who did not like to be categorized in such a genre. In fact, Rothko's paintings, which at first glance appear to be simple color surfaces, have been called "meditative paintings" because they encourage deep introspection in the viewer, and are mysterious paintings that often elicit comments such as "I feel calm when I stand in front of them," or "I feel as if I were born before." Before his death, Rothko was very particular about the kind of space in which his works would be exhibited, and he wanted a space in which only his works would be displayed. There are only four places in the world* that have achieved this, and "Rothko's Room" is one of the most precious. Everyone feels differently, but in "Rothko's Room," I recommend that you let go of all your various analyses and immerse yourself in this space.

The architecture of the museum, which is as beautiful as a foreign castle, was designed by Ichiro Ebihara (1905-90), a leading modernist architect. Mr. Ebihara, who was a longtime friend of the museum's founder, Mr. Kawamura, deeply sympathized with Mr. Kawamura's wishes and made it his life's work to design the museum. Unfortunately, he was ill in his later years and never saw the museum completed, but he brought his sketchbook to his hospital room and remained passionate about the museum's conception until just before his death. The museum is full of attention to the artworks and the viewers, from the different materials used for the walls and floors of each room to match the artworks to be exhibited, to the atmosphere of the corridors leading from room to room, and even the light in the rest areas.

Outside the museum, the large garden has a pond with swans and waterfowl, and the surrounding area is carefully maintained while preserving the nature of the original satoyama, making it very pleasant to stroll through. The garden is open to the public free of charge and can be enjoyed without entering the museum.

Kawamura Memorial Museum of Art is a place that enriches my mind and recharges my spirit just by visiting. Since I was a student, I often visited there when I wanted to reset myself, such as between exams. Although it is a bit far from the station, the museum has a large parking lot and provides a free shuttle bus service from the station.

Whether you are an art lover or not, this is a recommended spot in Chiba that you should definitely visit when you have time to relax.

*Four locations: Tate Modern in London, The Phillips Collection in Washington D.C., Rothko Chapel in Houston, and Kawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art

Kawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art
https://kawamura-museum.dic.co.jp/en/