Marie Laurencin Exhibition

Three Young girls

Mar 8 - May 11

Suntory Museum, Osaka

Born and raised during Paris' Belle Époque, Marie Laurencin (1883-1956) began her artistic career in the circle of Ecole de Paris artists led by Picasso. Though first known as a cubist painter, she gradually developed and established her unparalleled style of elegant feminine expression. Her lyrical composition perfectly depicting the mystique and universality of femininity stays where no male artist could ever reach. Her life, however, was filled with dramas and turbulence, such as the passionate relationship with poet, Guillaume Apollinaire, as he reminisced in his poem, 'Le Pont Mirabeau', and a marriage to a German nobleman which led to her defection. This exhibition commemorates the 125th anniversary of the artist's birth, and looks back on her lifework, with 90 masterpieces of paintings, watercolors and prints from Musée Mar.

Getting there: Subway Chuo line, Osaka-ko stn
Open: 10:30am–7:30pm. Closed Mon
Admission: ¥1,100/¥800/¥500
Tel; 06-6577-0001

3-D Images & Videos

A visual arts project by Charles-Eric Billard

Thru Apr 14

Panorama, Osaka

This exhibition regroups a series of computer-enhanced collages and videos visible through 3-D glasses. When wearing the custom-made glasses lined with lighting devices available at the exhibiton, the multiple layers of the images become distinct from each other, creating a subtle sense of depth. Viewers will also be able to enjoy 3-D enhanced video projection featuring culture icons of the East and the West, namely Ultraman and Gi Joe, fighting against each other to get the attention they both think they deserve.

Subway Honmachi stn, exit 22, Osaka-ya, New Itachibori Bldg, 2F • Admission: free
Tel; 06-6532-8484

Sano Kenjiro Exhibiton

Thru Apr 23

ddd Gallery, Osaka

After graduating from Graphic Design Course from Tama Art University, he entered Hakuhodo, one of Japan's most powerful advertising agencies and is now the art director of Hakuhodo Design. Some of his major works include product development to character design to advertising and POP such as "T Boo S!" for TBS, Laforet Harajuku, NISSAN "MURANO", Sony Computer Entertainment PSP, Nippon Professional Baseball, New Ra-Oh instant ramen for Nisshin Food Products, Kirin Beer "Hojun", Logo and Mark for the 2003 World Judo Championships and posters for the national Rugby team of Japan. He has won numerous awards including the Tokyo ADC Award, NY ADC Award, Tokyo TDC Prize, JAGDA Newcomers Prize, New York Festival, Good Design Award Japan and others. See the works of one of today's top creative designer.

Subway Yotsubashi line, Yotsubashi stn./Subway/Kintetsu Namba stn
Open: 11am–7pm. Closed Sun/Mon/Hol • Admission: free
Tel; 06-6110-4639

[ - minus ] Relation between Population and Education

VADE MECVM. Showroom #2, Osaka

[ - minus ] looks at the increasingly alarming problem of the decreasing birthrate in developed countries, focusing on Japan and Italy, through the creation of the school sphere. The visitor is invited to become part of the artwork in this hybrid space that combines gallery, shop and cafe, as the installation itself is an integral working part of the showroom - a peaceful (smoke-free) atmosphere for customers to relax and have a drink while taking in the artwork. Opening party March 8 from 7pm with live DJ and free finger food. Insta- llation in place for approximately six months.

Getting there: Subway Yotsubashi/Chuo line, Honmachi stn, Exit 28 Walk north up Yotsubashi-suji to the park. VADE MECVM. is on the north side of the tennis courts.
Open: 8:00am-7:00pm. Closed Wed • Admission: free
Tel; 06-6447-1335

Kansai Art Listings March

ART section compiled by Maki Nibayashi