Two Osaka Museums Join Forces to Showcase Atsuko Tanaka's Works

In an unprecedented partnership between two major institutions in Osaka's Nakanoshima district, the National Museum of Art (NMAO) and the Nakanoshima Museum of Art (NAKKA) have joined forces for the exhibition "Collection 1: Self / Action," on view until November 3, 2026. The project marks the first installment of "ColenaKa," a collaboration aimed at enhancing the cultural appeal and vibrancy of the district, offering visitors deeper insight into the works and artists connected to this iconic area.

The show, held in the basement galleries of the NMAO, centers on the oeuvre of Atsuko Tanaka (1932–2005), a leading figure in postwar Japanese art and a key member of the Gutai Art Association, which she joined in 1955. Tanaka is renowned for her creations inspired by electric wires and light bulbs, such as her iconic Electric Dress (1956) and the large-scale painting Hell (1965–69), both from the NMAO's collection, displayed in the final section dedicated to women artists who left a significant mark on art history.

Complementing these are eight drawings by Tanaka from the NAKKA's holdings, presented for the first time. These works, which explore her thoughts on circuits and lines, shed new light on her creative process. The exhibition also features a photograph of Electric Dress taken by Kiyoji Otsuji, enriching the contextualization of her output.

This event is part of a prelude to the NMAO's 50th anniversary in 2027, which will showcase about 140 works spanning from Paul Cézanne to the 1960s. By merging two distinct collections, the show offers a renewed perspective on Tanaka's legacy, whose influence extends far beyond Japan, and underscores the vibrancy of Osaka's art scene.

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Written by the ADM desk based on 美術手帖. Read the original article for the full story.