
Art Directon, Graphic Design, Book Design
He was involved in the tool design for the "130th Anniversary of the Birth of Zenzaburo Kojima" exhibition held at the Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art. He was involved in the total design of the exhibition, including posters, flyers, tickets, catalogues, as well as panels introducing the works in the exhibition, tapestries inside the museum, and exterior signs.
Kojima Zenzaburo was born into a paper wholesaler in Hakata, Fukuoka, and although those around him wanted him to take over the family business, he overcame opposition and chose to pursue a career in painting. His self-taught paintings are appealing for their bold touch and strength. Kojima Zenzaburo also had many periods of illness throughout his life. However, he turned his suffering into energy and, after recovering, became highly active. Regarding his time battling illness, Kojima Zenzaburo said, "During that time, I cultivated myself as a human being. I learned the preciousness of life. The reason I still work day after day, devoting every moment to it, comes from my realization of my attachment to the life of that era."
The main visual for this exhibition's design is "Mimosa and Others" (1957), a work depicting mimosa in full bloom filling the canvas. The design was created with the intention of conveying Kojima Zenzaburo's passion for painting, his bold style, and his genuine Hakata temperament.
The catalogue in particular uses colours that are characteristic of Kojima Zenzaburo, and the front and back covers are deliberately left without titles, making them look like a single painting. The front and back covers are bound in French, with Kojima Zenzaburo's work dynamically displayed on the inside as well. Finally, the catalogue concludes with Kojima Zenzaburo's words, "Being able to work like crazy is the greatest happiness for me."
The exhibition was held just as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning to subside, and was inspired by the desire of the curator of the client, the Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art, to "bring light into a dark world." The "130th Anniversary of the Birth of Kojima Zenzaburo Exhibition" attracted many visitors, and the popular posters were quickly put on sale.
In addition, the catalog for the "130th Anniversary of the Birth of Zenzaburo Kojima Exhibition" was selected for the Book & Editorial category of "Art Direction in Japan 2024," sponsored by the Tokyo Art Directors Club (ADC). It will be published in the "ADC Annual 2024," to be published in 2025.
Total design for the "130th Anniversary of the Birth of Zenzaburo Kojima Exhibition"































