Picasso Meets Paul Smith: An Adventure in Playfulness Exhibition, Ambassador Mayu Matsuoka and Art Director Sir Paul Smith Attend!

The National Art Center, Tokyo, is hosting the exhibition 'Picasso Meets Paul Smith: An Adventure in Playfulness' starting from Wednesday, June 10th.

Prior to the opening, on Tuesday, June 9th, a press preview was held with actor Mayu Matsuoka, who serves as the exhibition's ambassador and audio guide navigator, and Sir Paul Smith, the art director, in attendance. They spoke about the exhibition's appeal and their favorite sections.

Matsuoka, appearing in Paul Smith attire, commented on the exhibition, "I felt it was a wonderful exhibition that allows us to grasp Picasso's life by appreciating works that reflect the changes in his life across rooms with different atmospheres directed by Paul. " Regarding her particularly memorable section, she said, "There's a scene where Section 7, 'Paulo as Harlequin,' is visible from a distance, and I felt the direction truly conveyed the 'childlike spirit' that Paul values. I really want everyone to enjoy it."

Sir Paul Smith discussed what he prioritized during the exhibition's direction and his specific considerations for its presentation in Japan, stating, "Picasso was a person full of curiosity, always pursuing new ideas. The exhibition is structured based on his emotions and characteristics from various periods." When asked about his favorite section, he replied, "Every room is my favorite because each room has a different background and highlights."

In relation to the exhibition's subtitle, 'An Adventure in Playfulness,' when asked about the meaning of 'playfulness' in creation and life, Sir Paul Smith said, "In a world full of challenges, having playfulness in daily life is very important. It's not about childishness, but about maintaining a childlike, open-minded approach." Mayu Matsuoka shared, "For me, playfulness is 'challenge.' As we get older, it becomes harder to make choices that are true to our feelings, but I want to nurture a playfulness that cherishes my 'likes' and never stops challenging myself."

Finally, addressing visitors, Mayu Matsuoka said, "This exhibition, where Paul Smith reinterprets and directs Picasso's works, is truly moving. I hope you enjoy the exhibition as if you were following a story. Please also look for the cute 'animal' drawing Paul created within the exhibition rooms."

Sir Paul Smith added, "I would be happy if you take your time to savor each artwork and space, and also pay attention to the learning and relationships behind them."

Profile of Sir Paul Smith

Born in 1946. A designer from Nottingham, UK. He was an avid cyclist in his late teens but had to abandon his competitive career due to a traffic accident, after which he began his path in design, music, and fashion. He is known for his style that adds a unique modern interpretation to a rich sense of color and traditional craftsmanship, and he still embodies the spirit of the brand that began in a small shop in his hometown in 1970. His philosophy of 'classic with a twist' is at the core of his creations. He also served as the art director for the large-scale Picasso retrospective in 2023, which formed the basis for this world tour exhibition, attracting over 200,000 visitors.

Profile of Mayu Matsuoka

Born in 1995, from Tokyo. Gained attention for her role in the NHK serial TV novel 'Amachan' (2013). At the 42nd Japan Academy Film Prize, she won the award for Outstanding Performance by an Actress for 'Tremble All You Want' and the award for Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actress for 'Shoplifters.' Her major works include the films 'Love Strikes Back,' 'The Great Yokai War: Guardians,' 'Listen to the Universe,' the drama series 'GEEKS,' and 'The Last Teacher.' Upcoming works include the musical 'Dear Evan Hansen' and the Netflix series 'Downtime.'

■ Exhibition Overview
'Picasso Meets Paul Smith: An Adventure in Playfulness'
This unprecedented exhibition features works by Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), a representative artist of the 20th century from the Musée National Picasso-Paris, with the venue layout conceived by British designer Paul Smith. The venue, created with free-spirited imagination, is filled with vibrant colors and delightful surprises. Approximately 80 representative works, including 'Portrait of a Man' from the 'Blue Period' and 'Paulo as Harlequin,' are presented in a loose chronological order. This exhibition is an international touring exhibition based on the special exhibition 'Picasso Celebration: The Collection in a New Light!' held in Paris in 2023 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Picasso's death, and it is exclusively held at The National Art Center, Tokyo, in Japan.

Dates: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 – Monday, September 21, 2026

Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo, Exhibition Room 2E

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (Fridays and Saturdays until 20:00) (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)

Closed: Tuesdays (However, open on Tuesday, August 11th (holiday), closed on Wednesday, August 12th)

Admission Fees (tax included): General ¥2,400, University Students ¥1,400, High School Students ¥1,000, Junior High School Students and below Free

*Wednesday, July 29 – Friday, July 31: Free admission for high school students (student ID required)

Inquiries: 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial)

Official Website: https://art.nikkei.com/picasso_ps26/
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