"The 25th Anniversary of Opening Menard Museum: Masterpieces from the Collection I"

Shozo and Ayuko Shimada are highly respected European-style artists in Japan.

Both graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts and they celebrate their 50 years of marriage this December.

As oil painters, they were both influenced by Cubism, yet their styles developed in quite different directions. It is often said a marriage between artists won't last long unless one of them abandons his or her career, but with the Shimadas, their extraordinary relationship only strengthened their skills.

This exhibition reviews the couple's work, showcasing a total of 17 paintings. Perfumes created by the Shimadas will also be on display; till Feb. 17.

Menard Art Museum; (0568) 75-5787; 5-250 Komaki, Komaki, Aichi; Komaki Station, Meitetsu Komaki Line. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ¥800. Closed Mon. (except Dec. 24, Jan. 14, Feb. 11), Dec. 25-Jan. 1, Jan. 15, Feb. 12. museum.menard.co.jp.