Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art
A native of Kagawa, Inokuma Genichiro (1902–1993) was an artist who grew up in Marugame, studied in Tokyo and Paris, and afterwards spent long periods working in New York and Hawaii. Having been mentored by Henri Matisse (1869–1954) and having interacted with, among others, Mark Rothko (1903–1970), Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988), and Charles (1907–1978) and Ray (1912–1988) Eames, Inokuma is known for his multidisciplinary and innovative style, which he expressed mainly through painting but also through sculpture, illustration, and design.
Located in front of Marugame Station, the Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art or MIMOCA mainly exhibits pieces from its collection of some 20,000 Inokuma artworks, all donated by the artist himself. Its special exhibitions focus on the work of contemporary artists from both Japan and elsewhere. Several such exhibitions are held every year.
The museum building was designed by the architect Taniguchi Yoshio (1937–), who also redesigned the Museum of Modern Art in New York City for its reopening in 2004. The MIMOCA is distinguished by its box-like shape and minimalist entrance, in front of which three of Inokuma’s sculptures and a giant mural welcome visitors. These elements help the building blend in with its urban surroundings, whereas the high ceiling, plain lighting, and abundant use of right angles combine for an understated interior that does not distract from the artworks.