1947年京都府生まれ。
早稲田大学大学部卒業。
専門は近代美術。
第47回および第50回ヴェネチア・ビエンナーレ日本館コミッショナー、第1回横浜トリエンナーレアーティスティック・ディレクター、あいちトリエンナーレ2010芸術監督などを歴任。
詩人としても活動。
国立国際美術館長、京都市立芸術大学学長を経て、現在、多摩美術大学学長、埼玉県立近代美術館長、全国美術館会議会長。

Born in Kyoto.
Graduated Waseda University in Tokyo.
Specializes in modern and contemporary art history.
Served as Commissioner of Japanese Pavilion for the ’90 and ’93 Venice Biennale, Artistic director of the 1st Yokohama Triennale, Artistic Director of Aichi Triennale 2010.
Is also active as a poet. Published many books including Shigo no ressun (Japanese only) which received 21st Hagiwara Sakutaro Award.
Served as Director of the National Museum of Art, Osaka, President of Kyoto City University of Arts.
Currently President of Tama Art University, Director of the Museum of Modern Art, Saitama, President of the Japanese Council of Art Museums.

ONBEAT掲載号：vol.10.11