Student Learning Programs

Japanese Modernism

28 Feb 20 – 4 Oct 20 

NGV International  

During the first half of the twentieth century Japan’s traditional art and aesthetics interacted with European life and culture, resulting in a pulsating era of Japanese modernism and the creation of Asian Art Deco architecture, paintings, prints, design and fashion.  

The exhibition investigates the increasing socially liberated status of Asian women, including major works by young female artists of the era, and modernist colour prints produced with the refined techniques of traditional ukiyo-e. The exhibition also features fashion of the era, including women’s and men’s kimonos and related accessories. Popular culture and interior design will be represented with beautifully crafted glassware, lacquer ware and bronze ware, as well as street posters, magazines and graphic design. 

Japanese Modernism has received grant funding from the Australia-Japan Foundation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for which the NGV is deeply grateful. 

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Japanese Modernism

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Self-Guided Visits

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Student Programs

Book a program with an NGV educator to introduce your students to the art and design of early twentieth century Japan along with the key themes of the exhibition. 
Introducing Japanese Modernism Levels 5-12, Tertiary

Mon-Fri, 10am, 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm

The era of Japanese modernism and Asian Art Deco architecture, paintings, prints, design and fashion emerged in the early twentieth century when traditional Japanese art and aesthetics met European life and Culture. Which themes, aesthetics, and ideas characterise Japanese modernist art and design? What influence did world events, social changes, and historical traditions and techniques have on the era? Discuss these questions and more through a floor talk in the exhibition with an NGV educator.

Learning Objectives:

  • Analyse and interpret themes, concepts and ideas in Japanese modernist works and discuss how they are expressed.
  • Identify and describe sources of inspiration in Japanese modernist art.
  • Discuss how Japanese modernist artists use materials, techniques, technologies and processes to realise the intentions in their artworks.
  • Identify and connect specific features of Japanese modernist art to a wider historical, cultural and social context.

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: $8 per student

 Japanese Modernism Exclusive Online Visit All Levels

Tue, Thur, 9am 

Bring the art and design of early twentieth century Japan to life in your classroom. Join an NGV educator for a virtual visit before the Gallery opens via video conference. This live introduction is suited to schools in regional and remote areas.   

Cost: Free 

Duration: 30 minutes