From 15 March to 8 September Japanese Museum SieboldHuis will present the exhibition ‘Japanese Nudes’ (in Dutch Japans Naakt). This exhibition illustrates the development in Japanese nude photography from the 19th century to the present. The works of over 30 top photographers, including Araki Nobuyoshi, Moriyama Daido, Hosoe Eikoh, Izu Kenro and Honjo Koro reveal their artistic vision of nudity. Foreign influence and changing perceptions in Japanese society on gender, nudity and sexuality are on display in over 120 photographs.
Nudity was traditionally a matter of course in Japan. Families visited the onsen (hot water source) together, sumo wrestlers struggled almost to the brim and farmers farmed the land half-naked. When Japan opened its doors to the rest of the world in 1854, foreign technologies and ideas were quickly adopted, including Western art and a chaste vision of nakedness. Photography was influenced from the outset by this Western vision. Strict moral laws were introduced in Japan that are still valid today. Contemporary photographers denounce issues relating to changing society, gender and sexuality with their work.
More information about the exhibition can be found on the website of Japan Museum SieboldHuis. Japan Museum SieboldHuis is opened from Tuesday till Sunday from 10.00 till 17.00. It is possible to buy tickets online and at the door.
Source: Japanmuseum SieboldHuis
