Dallas Museum of Art Showcases Samurai Metalwork and Brand X Screenprints

The Samurai Collection and 'X Marks the Spot' exhibits highlight Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary print innovations.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:20am

An abstract composition of jagged, geometric shapes in bold red and white, conceptually representing the technical mastery and aesthetic brilliance of Japanese metalwork.The Dallas Museum of Art's exhibits on Japanese metalwork and contemporary screen-printing showcase the enduring power of artistic innovation and craftsmanship.Dallas Today

The Dallas Museum of Art is currently hosting two exciting exhibitions: 'The Samurai Collection, Dallas, Samurai to the Imperial Court' and 'X Marks the Spot.' The Samurai exhibit features over 90 works of art showcasing the technical mastery and aesthetic brilliance of Japanese metal artists, from samurai arms and armor to imperial court commissions. The 'X Marks the Spot' exhibit celebrates the legendary screen-printing workshop Brand X Editions and its four decades of collaboration with leading contemporary artists.

Why it matters

These exhibitions provide a unique opportunity for Dallas-area residents and visitors to experience the rich history and artistry of Japanese metalwork as well as the innovative spirit of contemporary screen-printing. The Samurai exhibit highlights the cultural significance and technical virtuosity of these works, while the 'X Marks the Spot' exhibit sheds light on the creative process and impact of Brand X Editions, a pioneering force in the world of screen-printing.

The details

The Samurai Collection, Dallas, Samurai to the Imperial Court is on display at the Dallas Museum of Art's Chilton II Gallery through September 6th. Tickets are $20 for the general public, with free and early access for DMA members. The 'X Marks the Spot' exhibit, featuring works by artists such as KAWS, Rashid Johnson, and Deborah Kass, opens on May 24th and runs through November 8th.

  • The Samurai Collection, Dallas, Samurai to the Imperial Court is on display at the Dallas Museum of Art through September 6, 2026.
  • 'X Marks the Spot' opens at the Dallas Museum of Art on May 24, 2026 and runs through November 8, 2026.

The players

Dallas Museum of Art

The Dallas Museum of Art is a leading art institution that hosts a variety of exhibitions and events showcasing art from around the world.

The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum

A museum in Dallas that has loaned works from its significant collection of Japanese art and artifacts to the Samurai Collection exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art.

Brand X Editions

A New York-based screen-printing workshop that has pioneered technical and aesthetic innovations in the medium and collaborated with leading contemporary artists.

Dr. Emily Friedman

The Allen and Kelli Questrom Assistant Curator of Prints and Drawings for the Dallas Museum of Art, and the co-curator of the 'X Marks the Spot' exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“Many people are familiar with screenprinting, but few truly understand the creative feats that underlie these works of art. There's no better way to introduce audiences to this medium and its many possibilities than through the work of Brand X Editions, a printer and publisher that has had an outsized impact on the practice of contemporary screenprinting.”

— Dr. Emily Friedman, The Allen and Kelli Questrom Assistant Curator of Prints and Drawings for the Dallas Museum of Art

What’s next

The 'X Marks the Spot' exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art will open to the public on May 24, 2026 and run through November 8, 2026.

The takeaway

These two exhibits at the Dallas Museum of Art provide a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history and artistry of Japanese metalwork as well as the innovative spirit of contemporary screen-printing. The Samurai Collection highlights the technical mastery and cultural significance of these works, while 'X Marks the Spot' sheds light on the creative process and impact of a pioneering screen-printing workshop.