Wednesday, September 11, 2024

美術館のはなし12 Art Museum Story12

 Here’s an English translation of your blog post about the postcard featuring Kiyoshi Hasegawa’s work:

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I came across a postcard featuring the copperplate artist Kiyoshi Hasegawa, who lived in Paris.


This postcard was a souvenir from my visit to the museum. The title of the artwork is “The Disguised Fox,” inspired by a Finnish fairy tale. It certainly has a surreal atmosphere. The three great fairy tale traditions are said to be Aesop, Grimm, and Andersen, but I am not familiar with Finnish tales, so I won’t know what it’s about until I read it. However, since there’s a small house depicted, this fox must be quite enormous compared to the scale of the surroundings.


“I have been bewildered ever since I was born into this world.”

“What’s wrong, Mr. Fox?”

“Everything feels so small, and I can’t help but feel that way.”

“Oh? Everything, you say?”

“First, these houses, and the people living in them look tiny. I can’t even understand what they’re saying.”

“Well, look at your own size.”

“But my feelings are always much, much smaller than these houses.”

“Why is that?”

“Although I can see further than everyone else, when I look around the world, I see nothing at all. Truly nothing.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m afraid because I know that there is nothing in the world. I can’t understand why everyone gathers and seems to have fun.”

“That’s really sad.”

“Yes. So, I’m lost and alone.”


“Look at the falling dead leaves, Mr. Fox. For us, dead leaves are a disaster. The houses we’ve built might get destroyed because of them. If that happens, could you please use your large body to help us? If you pick one up and place it on a mountain somewhere, it will save our lives.”


“Does that mean I can work too? Well, that’s wonderful. I’ve always envied you.”


“Indeed! Together, we will nurture this world, and we are grateful to have you, Mr. Fox.”


“Come over here and warm yourself by the fireplace.”


The fox smiled, took off his hat, and sat down deeply in that spot.


I created this fairy tale on my own. It’s a fictional story, so please don’t take it too seriously! Since the artwork lacks color, I feel the urge to add some.


Kiyoshi Hasegawa passed away without returning to Japan from Paris, yet his unique works continue to be remembered and passed down through generations. While many Japanese people or Asians tend to yearn for Western culture, I feel that his paintings, which bear a hint of Japanese influence, convey that he never forgot his roots as a Japanese artist.

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