Artists Iri Maruki (1901-1995) and his wife Momoshi (1912-2000), hailing from Saitama Prefecture, are receiving renewed attention for their impactful series of artworks, the “Hiroshima Panels.” Created in the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, these 15 sets of painted folding panels reflect the couple’s firsthand experiences in disaster relief efforts immediately following the explosion.
Following the announcement of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize by the Japan Federation of Atomic and Hydrogen Bomb Victims’ Organizations (Japan Hidankyo), advocates hope this recognition will highlight the significance of Maruki’s work, which powerfully depicts the aftermath of the atomic bomb.
The Marukis traveled to Hiroshima shortly after the bombing and spent about a month aiding relief efforts. Their experiences inspired the creation of the “Hiroshima Panels,” which have since been exhibited at over 160 locations in Japan from 1950 to 1953 and displayed in at least 20 countries, effectively conveying the tragedy of the atomic event.
Lawrence Wittner, a former professor at the State University of New York, recommended the Marukis for the 1995 Nobel Peace Prize. As a prominent researcher in the history of the nuclear disarmament movement, Wittner compared their work to the anti-war paintings of Francisco Goya and Pablo Picasso, praising their ability to articulate the horrors of war through art.
Although the couple did not receive the 1995 Peace Prize, Momoshi Maruki expressed that the nomination itself was a significant honor for both her and her husband.
Currently, the first 14 sets of “Hiroshima Panels” are permanently displayed at the Maruki Hiroshima Panel Gallery in Higashimatsuyama, while the 15th set is showcased at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.
Yukinori Okamura, curator of the Maruki Gallery, expressed hope that the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Hidankyo would prompt a reevaluation of those who have worked to communicate the devastation of the atomic bomb, as well as the importance of the “Hiroshima Panels.”
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