Unveiling Ceremony for the Painting "Lemon Tree"
On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, an unveiling ceremony for the painting "Lemon Tree," donated by Western-style painter UEKUZU Akihiro, was held at the University Library.
Mr. Uekuzu, a native of Kamioka Town, Hida City, Gifu Prefecture, has served as a professor at the Graduate School of Joshibi University of Art and Design and was awarded the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon in 2023. Driven by a strong desire to contribute to society through art, he decided to donate the painting "Lemon Tree" to Gifu University, a national university in his hometown.
Prior to the ceremony, President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro of Gifu University remarked, "Receiving a painting from Mr. Uekuzu for our Library, which serves as a central place of learning for Gifu University students, will undoubtedly support and inspire our students who study here."
Following President Yoshida's address, the ceremony was conducted by Mr. Uekuzu and President Yoshida, unveiling the "Lemon Tree" to the attendees.
Mr. Uekuzu expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am delighted and grateful to be able to donate this painting to the University Library. My hope is that people will feel something from this painting. I was inspired by the breath-taking views of Atami Bay, Shizuoka Prefecture, but it is not a figurative depiction; rather, it is a collage of various images. I hope viewers will interpret it in their own way and wonder, 'What is this?'"
The "Lemon Tree" will be displayed on the second floor of the Library. Please take the time to view the painting and appreciate the expression and sentiment behind it when you visit the Library.
(from left: Library Director OYABU Chiho, President Yoshida, Mr. Uekuzu,
Vice President LIM Lee Wah)
