MURAI Masanari

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MURAI Masanari 　
Western-style Painter

Western-style Painter

One of the pioneers of abstract painting in Japan. Established the Modern Art Association. A modern, unique, light indication wrapping his works from young age did not fade until later years.
Masanari Murai Memorial Museum of Art

1905

Born in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture. Raised in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture.

1928

Graduated from Faculty of Fine Arts, Bunka Gakuin. Went to France with a friend, Satoshi Soeda.

1932

Went back home.

1934

Founded New era western painting exhibition with Kaoru Yamaguchi, Rokuro Yabashi and others, who are friends before going to France.

1937

Developed this exhibition, and founded Free Artist Association.

1950

Withdrew from the association with Kaoru Yamaguchi, Rokuro Yabashi and others, and founded Modern Art Association.

1962

Won First Prize at the 5th Japan Contemporary Art Exhibition, and won Prize of the Minister for Education at the 3rd International Print Biennale.

1970

Shingu City Honorary Citizen, Wakayama Prefectural Cultural Award.

1973

Retrospective Exhibition (The Museum of Modern Art, Kamakura & Hayama).

1975

Professor Emeritus at Musashino Art University.

1979

Retrospective Exhibition (The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama).

1993

Retrospective Exhibition (Setagaya Art Museum and others).

1995

Retrospective Exhibition (The Museum of Modern Art, Kamakura & Hayama and other 4 museums).

1997

Received Chunichi Cultural Award, and received Setagaya-ku Special Cultural Achievement Award.

1998

Tsune Nakamura Award.

1999

Passed away at February 5, at his 93 years 11 months old.

2005

To celebrate the birth of 100 years, Masanari Murai Memorial Museum of Art opened (at March 29).