What is the point of painting pictures only for them to be bought by rich people and locked away like money in the bank?

Art is for the masses. This is the basic philosophy that underlies Taro Okamoto’s art.

The reason why he did not sell his paintings, why he ignored the protests of those around him to produce giveaways for a whisky company, is because he believed that art should be set free among the daily lives of the people.
For this reason, public art, that can be seen anytime, by anyone, for free, provided Taro with the ideal stage.

The Tower of the Sun, Tree of Children, Young Clock Tower, Pride, Jomon People… Taro Okamoto produced numerous works to be displayed in public spaces throughout the country. These can still be found in locations stretching from the Tohoku region in the north to Kyushu in the south, continuing to challenge all those who see them. It is unlikely that there is another artist, anywhere, who has produced so much public art.

This exhibition will introduce the varied public art that Taro Okamoto set free on the city streets. They are a bit different to the art seen in museums, and we hope that you will enjoy this ‘Taro in the Streets’.

Concurrent Exhibition:
A new work by the winner of the ‘Toshiko Okamoto Prize’ in the 13th Okamoto Taro Memorial Award for Contemporary Art will also make an appearance. We hope that you will enjoy this too.