Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art (MIMOCA) was founded in 1991 with the full cooperation of artist Genichiro Inokuma (1902-93). In an interview at the time of the founding ceremony, Inokuma remarked: “An art museum is a hospital for the heart.” To spend time in the pleasant space of an art museum and see quality artworks, he explained, provides opportunities for fresh stimulation, good for the heart, and gives one energy and motivation for living. In our busy modern society, Inokuma felt, the art museum was indispensable in its role as “a hospital for the heart.” To realize such a museum, he worked closely with the city of Marugame on every aspect of the museum’s development—building site, concept, design, and furnishings—and MIMOCA took form as a result.
Until now, we have not had occasion to roundly introduce Inokuma’s thoughts on MIMOCA or its philosophy as a museum. This exhibition places a spotlight on MIMOCA, itself, as “a hospital for the heart.” While tracing the museum’s varied activities through years, it looks intimately at the ideals Inokuma entrusted to it. Through this exhibition, we hope to take a close look at MIMOCA, one time, before it does so.