Join us for this program that combines a self-directed gallery tour followed by a film and discussion of themes shared by the art and the film. An illustrated guide highlights works in the Deco Japan exhibition and will be used during the discussion portion of the program. Museum staff will be in the galleries to answer questions. Allow 30/40 minutes to explore the exhibition prior to the film. Post-screening discussion lasts approximately 20/30 minutes and is led by Museum staff.

As in other parts of the world, the early twentieth century gave Japanese women new freedoms that led to behaviors that were unacceptable even in the traditional pleasure-seeking world of the ukiyo, or “floating world” of the geisha. This tension between old and new is illustrated by works from the exhibition and is at the core of the film Sisters of the Gion.

Sisters of the Gion: The unsentimental Omocha and her sister, the more tradition-minded Umekichi, are both geishas in the working-class district of Gion.  Mozoguchi’s film is an uncompromising look at the forces that kept many women at the bottom of the social ladder

Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi; Black and White; not rated; 69 minutes

This program is funded in part through the generous support of the Toshiba International Foundation, the Japan Foundation, New York, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council,the National Endowment for the Arts and the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues.

Deco Japan Shaping Art and Culture 1920–1945 is drawn from The Levenson Collection and is organized and circulated by Art Services International, Alexandria, Virginia. Support has been provided by The Chisholm Foundation.

Images courtesy of The Levenson Collection.