Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2010

Courtesy of the Tolman Collection

Hilary Tolman says: “Toko Shinoda: Calligraphy in Prints and Paintings and Other Treasures from the Recent Past” showcases paintings by world-renowned artist Toko Shinoda, as well as small-edition lithographs with hand-added color chosen from among over 300 prints created especially for the Tolman Collection (www.tolmantokyo.com). Ms. Shinoda was first brought to world attention in New York in the ’50s at The Betty Parsons Gallery, where Abstract Expressionist artists such as Jackson Pollock and Robert Motherwell got their start. Now, at 97, she is arguably the doyenne of the contemporary Japanese art world, as well as being the Imperial family’s favorite artist—one of her paintings hangs in Their Majesties’ private dining room. Her pieces are displayed in many world-class museum collections, including the Guggenheim, the Tikotin Museum, the British Museum and the Library of Congress. Tokyoites may already know her work from the mural in the basement of the Zojo-ji temple at the foot of Tokyo Tower, or from her breathtaking oversized painting in the lobby of the Conrad Hotel.”

Tolman Collection
Toko Shinoda. Calligraphy in Lithographs and Paintings. Painting, lithograph. Until Oct 31, free. 2-2-18 Shiba Daimon, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3434-1300. Open Wed-Mon 11am-7pm, closed Tue. Nearest stn: Daimon. www.tolmantokyo.com