What this is
Love! Vanguard!! is a special exhibition at Oita Prefectural Art Museum that opens a window into a private collector's deeply personal passion for avant-garde art. The show centres on works by Yayoi Kusama — one of Japan's most globally celebrated contemporary artists, known for her infinity rooms and polka-dot obsessions — alongside other pioneering figures of the avant-garde movement. The title reflects the collector's unabashed enthusiasm, framing the exhibition as a love letter to radical, boundary-pushing art. It offers a rare opportunity to see curated works drawn from a private collection rather than a permanent institutional holding, lending the show an intimate and idiosyncratic character.
Who should go
This exhibition is ideal for contemporary art lovers, Yayoi Kusama fans, and anyone curious about the avant-garde tradition as seen through a collector's personal lens. The intimate framing of a private collection makes it appealing to those who enjoy understanding not just the art but the human story behind its acquisition. Visitors who have seen Kusama's work at major Tokyo institutions like the Mori Art Museum or the National Museum of Modern Art will find fresh context here in a regional setting. Oita is not a typical stop on the tourist trail, so this is a rewarding detour for travellers exploring Kyushu. Arrive early on weekends to avoid school group visits.
Good to know
Tickets are best purchased at the OPAM box office or via Lawson Ticket (loppi.jp) — convenience store pickup is the most reliable option for visitors without a Japanese address. Oita Prefectural Art Museum is a mid-sized regional institution designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban, featuring a distinctive latticed facade; the building alone is worth the visit. The museum is fully accessible and typically has English signage for major exhibitions. Yayoi Kusama works often attract queues, so arriving at opening time is advisable. The museum café and gift shop are worth exploring, and a Kusama-themed souvenir is a near-certainty for an exhibition of this profile.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.