This exhibition showcases the activities and work of the creative couple Japanese artist Shizuko Yoshikawa (1934 – 2019) and Swiss design pioneer Josef Müller-Brockmann (1914 – 1996).
It is the first large-scale institutional retrospective to feature either Yoshikawa or Müller-Brockmann in Japan.
Yoshikawa and Müller-Brockmann were Zurich-based art and design educators. They first met at the 1960 World Design Conference in Tokyo, where Yoshikawa, an English graduate from Tsuda University, participated as an interpreter. Inspired by this international event, she moved to Ulm, becoming the first and only female Japanese student at the Ulm School of Design. Later, she worked at Müller-Brockmann's design office in Zurich. Their professional collaboration grew into a lifelong partnership, with each breaking new ground in their fields.
This exhibition highlights Yoshikawa’s art alongside Müller-Brockmann’s structural designs, shedding light on their unique personal and professional transnational relationship.
The exhibition is supported by the Swiss Embassy in celebration of the 160th anniversary of Japanese–Swiss diplomatic relations.
Information about the Exhibition
〈Dates〉
December 21, 2024 – March 2, 2025
〈Closed on〉
Mondays, December 31, January 1, 14, February 25
*Open on January 13, February 24
〈Opening hours〉
10:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30)
〈Venue〉
Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka 5F Galleries
〈Organizer〉
Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka
〈Special cooperation〉
Shizuko Yoshikawa and Josef Müller-Brockmann Foundation
〈Sponsorship〉
Osaka University of Arts
〈Support〉
Embassy of Switzerland / Vitality.Swiss
〈Grants〉
Tadao Ando Cultural Foundation
