A fascinating and inspiring figure, an unclassifiable Franco-Japanese creator, Foujita is one of the most famous artists of the École de Paris, whose work expresses an aesthetic fusion unique in the history of 20th-century art.
His style and originality captivated the Parisian elite of the Roaring Twenties and his friends in Montparnasse: Cocteau, Desnos, Dufy, Laurencin, Modigliani, Soutine, Zadkine…
His artistic and intimate world represents a successful fusion of East and West, making him an iconic figure in the friendship between France and Japan. A multifaceted artist, he embodies, in turn, the image of the perfectionist painter, the photographer open to the world, the extravagant dandy-stylist, and the artisan who works magic in everyday life.
Known for his famous haircut, his round glasses and his sometimes extravagant clothes, he also charms with his kindness and humor. A citizen of the world, Foujita traveled extensively in France, Europe, North Africa, the United States, Latin America and, of course, Southeast Asia. Every step of the way, he enjoys observing people in all their diversity and everyday life, capturing them in their singular humanity.
“As soon as I got back from Picasso’s place, I walked into my apartment and threw all my paints and painting supplies on the floor. It was only the second day since I’d arrived in Paris, and already I was trying to forget all the techniques I’d learned in Japan — from how to hold a palette to how to wash brushes...”
“Most artists, like Matisse and Braque, painted with a broad brush. Unlike them, I began painting with a fine brush. Everyone was using lots of beautiful colors. But I sought to paint lightly, and in black and white.”
Departure for a world tour: USA, Central America, Latin America, China, Indochina and Japan. At each stage, Foujita met with success.
