WHY I COLLECTED NEW JAPANESE PAINTING
By JAMES V. COLEMAN, Capt. U.S.M.C.R.

　”In 1946, I was commissioned by the War Department to go to Japan to assist in the reorganization of the Japanese Communication System. My interest in painting led me to visit the Ueno Park Art Museum and the Gallery Hosegawa, both in Tokyo. The variety and vitality of the newer Japanese paintings compared to the usually seen pieces in the traditional manner, immediately impressed me. I contacted some Japanese artists to discuss the new works and I was struck by their awareness and understanding of the different trends in modern art. Becoming more interested, I began to collect the paintings of known and unknown Japanese artists. With the kind cooperation and enthusiasm of Mr. Alexan, I am happy to show mi collection at the Subway Gallery. A number of these pictures have already been exhibited in the Ernie Pyle Theatre in Tokyo. I trust this exhibition will help to inform the American public of the characteristic new movements in Japanese art.

James V. Coleman is a Studio Engineer at one of America’s leading Broadcasting Stations. During the war he fought as a Captain USMCR in the Pacific. From 1946 to 1947 he served as Supervisor Public, Service Radio at the GHQ Supreme Commander for the Allied Power at Tokyo.”
(Tribune of Art No.9, May-June 1947)