The “Ueno Artist Project” is an exhibition series launched in 2017 by the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum with an aim to inherit and build on its history as “the home of the Public Entry Exhibition (“Koboten”). The exhibition showcases a selection of artists who are active in art groups, using a fixed theme each time. The theme for this, the sixth installment in the series, is The Tale of Genji.
Written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century, The Tale of Genji contains beautiful portrayals of the four seasons together with enchanting depictions of the numerous characters. Describing the human relationships surrounding the central figure of Hikaru Genji, the story continues to resonate with people living today. The reader is able to see themselves in the characters and doubtless it is this ability to empathize with the story that has resulted in its appeal continuing for one thousand years. Due to this enduring popularity, The Tale of Genji has also had a profound influence on other genres, such as arts and crafts and the performing arts, continuing to fascinate people across time and culture.
This exhibition will introduce artists working in a wide range of media, including painting, calligraphy, dyeing and glassworks. It can be said that it is fate that brings us together and the same can be said of encountering particular works in a museum. Today, when the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about changes in our relationships with others or with society, we hope this exhibition will allow people to take a fresh look at their lives.

Artists
AOKI Sue
ISHIODORI Tatsuya
TAKAGI Atsuhito (Rinchikai)
TAKANO Rihō (Japan Calligraphy Art Academy)
TAMADA Kyōko (Japan Glass Artcrafts Association)
MORIYA Tadashi (Nihonbijutsuin)
WATANABE Hiroaki (Kofukai Art Association)