Kofukai, translated as "Light and Wind Club," was a group of oil painters established in Japan by seven young artists in 1912. The founding members were initially influenced by the Realist painters of Paris, whose aim in the absence of photography, was to depict the world as truthfully as possible.
The Kofukai annual exhibition, which has remained the hub of Realist oil-painting in Japan, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year with an exhibition of works by 48 painters from the late Meiji Era (1868-1912) to the postwar Showa Era (1926-1989). The works on display chart the progression in Realist style throughout Japan's modern history; March 21-May 6.
Tokyo Station Gallery; 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Tokyo Stn. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Fri. till 8 p.m.). ¥900. Closed Mon. 03-3212-2485;www.ejrcf.or.jp/gallery
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