In some situations, people write things on pieces of paper and wood, and raise them in the air. Through this simple action, these placards send a message, raise questions, and even have the power to motivate people.
In 1961, the artist Tabe Mitsuko wrote a text called “For a Placard,” in which she stated that a single placard has the potential to change society. She also expressed the idea, act, and hope of resisting the harsh realities of a society in her artworks.
This exhibition, titled after Tabe’s text, comprises works by seven artists who consider what it means to live with dignity as it relates to their own lives.
Artists:
Tabe Mitsuko, Ushijima Tomoko, Shiga Lieko, Kanagawa Shingo, Tanizawa Sawako, Iiyama Yuki, Sasaoka Yuriko
Tabe Mitsuko, Placard, 1961, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Installation view of Ushijima Tomoko’s “Tori eno henshin (Replying to Bird, Becoming Bird)”, Yame Old Country Office, 2022. Photo: Nagano Satoshi ©Nagano Satoshi
Shiga Lieko, When the Wind Blows, 2022-2025 ©liekoshiga
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Kanagawa Shingo, Praying / Nagasaki, Self-portrait, 2022 ©Shingo Kanagawa
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Installation view of Tanizawa Sawako’s “small voice,” FINCHI ARTS, 2023. ©Sawako Tanizawa, Photo by Haruka Oka, Courtesy of FINCH ARTS
Iiyama Yuki, Moomin Family goes on a picnic to see Kannon, 2014/2020. Photo: Miyazawa Hibiki, Iiyama Yuki ©Iiyama Yuki
Installation view of Sasaoka Yuriko’s “Animale,” PHD Group, Hong Kong, 2025. Courtesy the artist and PHD Group. Photo by Felix SC Wong.
Period November 1, 2025–February 15, 2026
Opening Hours 10:00–17:00 (10:00–20:00 on Fridays).
*Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Closed Mondays (except November 3, November 24, January 12) and November 4, November 25, December 28–January 5 and January 13.
Organized by The National Museum of Art, Osaka
Sponsored by Daikin Foundation for Contemporary Arts
Admission Adults 1,500 (1,300) yen
University students 900 (800) yen
・（ ）admission for groups of more than 20 people and night discount (applicable after 17:00 on Friday).
・Admission free for visitors under 18 (proof required).
・Admission free for visitors with disabilities and one attendant (proof required).
・Tickets for this exhibition also include admission to collection2.