Comments on Judging of 26th contest
Hiroshi Kamiyo
Director-General National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
Universal feelings of affection and impression
I saw many unique works again at this year’s contest. I was surprised and impressed while viewing the works and wondered at times, “Why did the artist draw the face of this creature so up close?” or “Why did the artist use this color for the landscape?”
On the other hand, I also realized that feelings such as affection for family, reverence for life, and impression when coming into contact with the mysteries of nature, are universal.
I truly felt that regardless of where in the world, adults are responsible for watching over the children as they grow and seeing things from their perspective so that they will be able to retain their infinite power.
Naoki Mizushima
Professor University of Sacred Heart,Tokyo
Children’s paintings are“Magical Windows”
I listen closely to the children’s paintings from around the world. Then, I hear the wind from inside the painting. I hear the sound of waves from far away. Their loved ones and nature are innocently expressed. Children’s paintings teach us adults what is important as a human being.
The subjects of their painting differ, but they are never expository. The works of art drawn with free lines and colors directly convey the passion and feelings better than professional paintings. Children’s paintings can be said to be “magical windows” which relativize stereotypes and systematic views.
Yo Ebi
Associate Professor Tokyo National University of
Fine Arts and Music
A contest where a painting is genuinely judged as a painting
This was my first time judging the World Children’s Picture Contest.
I usually do not expect only wild freedom or innocence in children’s paintings. Various works of art were lined up at the judging venue, including beautifully colored paintings, well-structured paintings and rather technical paintings. They were a select group of unique and self-motivated works that passed the strict primary screening. I could see the efforts of the children from around the world as they sought how to use their creativity and express their thoughts. It was such a fun to genuinely judge a painting as a painting. I sincerely hope this contest will be held for many years to come.
Masato Ono
Chairperson Japan Federation of Art Education Teachers
Many colorful and uniquely colored works
Again this year, a large number of works were submitted from around the world.
Many of the works were colorful and painted with unique use of colors, and at the same time, they vividly conveyed even the lights and ambience of the place painted. Under the themes of agriculture, farming village, nature, environment, people and family, each of the children freely painted various subjects based on their own feelings, and I could see their free spirit and culture unique to the country. I was able to encounter works that are rich in flexibility and potential characteristic of children. I look forward to seeing the fresh works from children around the world again in the future.
Masako Yuki
Author of Art Pictures Books
Honestly express the feel of the surroundings
I have many opportunities to see children’s paintings in various situations every year. Often, line-based paintings tend to stand out among the works painted by Japanese children, while in this contest, works were submitted from 76 different countries around the world, and in these works, use of colors and matiere stood out more so than lines.
Expressions differ by country and each has an exotic scent that is lovely and joyful. Children from all of the countries honestly express the feel of their surroundings, and I sometimes feel the urge to ask them about the dreams they have in their hearts.
I feel honored to have the opportunity to judge such a wonderful contest.
