Realistic painting takes an exceptionally long time to complete. Depending on the piece, it can take anywhere from several months to even years. And in the case of landscape paintings, the scenery in front of the artist continues to change in various ways throughout the long period of creation.
While photography captures a single fleeting moment and preserves it as it is, realistic painting is created by observing the subject closely and expressing it in the form and impression that the artist personally perceives and feels.
Why was the artist moved by that particular landscape? What made them decide to devote months to capturing it as a realistic painting?
Through these landscape works imbued with the artists’ thoughts and emotions, we invite you to experience the unique allure of realism.
森本草介「みちのく早春」2004年
小尾修 「咆哮」 2021年
Some works depict the raw power of nature exactly as it was seen. Others are drawn from memory, capturing landscapes that no longer exist. Still others project the image of a tree from the artist’s childhood memories onto the scenery of the present.
To simply group these all together as “realistic landscapes” would overlook the rich variety of feelings and intentions embedded in each piece.
What was the artist thinking, and what emotions were they holding, as they translated the landscape before their eyes onto the canvas?
When you view these landscape paintings, I hope you will also reflect on the stories and sentiments that lie behind each artist’s gaze.
Every three years, the Hoki Museum hosts an open call—the Hoki Museum Grand Prize—to discover the next generation of artists creating new forms of realistic painting.
For the 5th edition of the prize, ten selected works will be exhibited in Gallery 2.
Thirteen artists present a full collection of newly created works, the result of three years of dedicated effort. Monumental pieces, each over 100 size 100 canvases, come together in one exhibition, showcasing what can be considered the artists’ proudest achievements—the forefront of realistic painting.
This exhibition features an audio guide where you can hear the artists’ own commentary on their works. Access it via the QR codes placed next to each piece to visit the dedicated website.
| Date | 2025.11.20(thu) – 2026.5.13(wed) |
| Open/Close | 10am〜5:30pm (Closes at 4:30 p.m. on June 30.) Admission is until 30 minutes before closing time. Please check the calendar for information on holidays. |
| Venue | Hoki Museum Gallery 1 |