shofuso + modernism explores artistic exchanges between japan and US

shofuso japanese house and garden announces a major new exhibition entitled ‘shofuso and modernism: mid-century collaboration between japan and philadelphia.’ located within the traditional 17th century-style japanese house in philadelphia, the show is accessible both physically and digitally from september 2nd — november 29th, 2020.

all images courtesy of the japan america society of greater philadelphia
image by elizabeth felicella

organized by the japan america society of greater philadelphia (JASGP) with support from the pew center for arts & heritage, ‘shofuso + modernism’ celebrates the friendships and transcultural exchanges of a global crew of of mid-century artists. these late designers include japanese architect junzo yoshimura, american woodworker george nakashima, swiss-french designer noémi pernessin raymond, and czech architect antonin raymond, through their collaborative architectural projects. the exhibition is curated by yuka yokoyama and guest curator william whitaker.

image by constance mensh

the host of ‘shofuso + modernism’ exhibition and designed by the architect junzo yoshimura, the shofuso japanese house and garden was first constructed for the museum of modern art in new york. the structure was to stand as the third installment of ‘the house in the museum garden’ outdoor exhibition in 1954, before being moved to its permanent home in west fairmount park, philadelphia. shofuso provides an authentic re-creation of what is regarded as a definitive, and highly influential, movement in japanese architecture. on display in the exhibition, the creative relationships which shaped and influenced the architect’s life are explored through archival images, objects, and artifacts from yoshimura alongside nakashima and the raymonds.

image by elizabeth felicella