Special Feature to Commemorate the Museum's 2nd Anniversary: ​​"Tsuguharu Foujita's Beloved Things"

Exhibition Overview

In the 1920s, Tsuguharu Foujita became a celebrity after painting "Milky White Nude." Today, the nude figures, painted in the milky white color that only Foujita could produce, have become synonymous with Foujita. However, Foujita did not continue to paint "Milky White Nude," and his motifs changed with the times.

Foujita painted those who were close to him, who provided comfort, and those close to him whom he loved and cherished. For example, his nudes often feature Kiki, with whom he had a deep friendship, and his third wife, Yuki. His fourth wife, Madeleine, was a woman he favored and painted many times. Foujita's desk paintings often include items he likely used, such as ink, letter sets, clocks, and glasses. He began painting many Madonnas and children after fleeing Japan due to the impact of war responsibility. He never returned to Japan, and instead acquired French citizenship in 1955 and converted to Catholicism in 1959. While he often produced works based on religious motifs, Foujita, who had no children, would paint imaginary children on canvas, describing them as "the children he most loved." Needless to say, cats were always by his side.

This exhibition, titled "Tsuguharu Foujita's Beloved Things," offers a glimpse into his life through the motifs he loved and painted at each stage. When you stand before one of Foujita's works, you may begin to understand the mystery of the healing and warmth you suddenly feel. We hope that you will be able to experience the love that Foujita infused into his works as you take your time to appreciate the approximately 200 pieces in our museum's collection.

Exhibition Highlights

First public showing of Tsuguharu Foujita's Self-Portrait

Tsuguharu Foujita poured his love into the things close to him and painted them. This exhibition also focuses on Foujita himself. The main image of this exhibition is a self-portrait, created in 1928 and exhibited for the first time. This work will be the centerpiece of the exhibition, as well as various other self-portraits. How Foujita viewed and painted himself - see the Foujita himself, the man Foujita loved.

The current collection consists of approximately 200 pieces

To celebrate the museum's second anniversary, this exhibition will feature the theme "Tsuguharu Foujita's Beloved Things," and will allow visitors to see as many of his works as possible. The vibrantly colored walls are packed with works unique to Foujita. No matter where you look in the world, the only place you can view Foujita's works in such a luxurious way is at our museum's opening celebrations. Don't miss this opportunity!

Fujita's private photos and handwritten diary unveiled

As a special feature, we will be exhibiting a selection of items donated by relatives of Fujita's fifth wife, Kimiyo. These include private photographs taken at the home in Villiers-le-Bacle where Fujita spent time with Kimiyo in his later years, as well as a handwritten notebook that Fujita wrote in 1939 in Paris during the war. These materials offer insight into the inner world of Fujita.

Introduction of the exhibited works