“Bonnard and Japan” exhibition at the Hôtel de Caumont – Art Center

This summer, the Hôtel de Caumont – Center d’Art invites you to immerse yourself in the world of Pierre Bonnard and discover the profound influence of Japanese art on his works. From April 30 to October 6, 2024, the “Bonnard and Japan” exhibition highlights the stylistic affinities between the French master and Japanese aesthetics, offering a new and enriching perspective on his work.

A unique exhibition on Japanese influence

This first exhibition dedicated to the influence of Japanese art on Pierre Bonnard reveals how the artist, nicknamed the “very Japanese Nabi”, integrated Japanese stylistic elements into his treatment of space, time and space. movement. Visitors will be able to admire his works alongside Japanese prints, highlighting the correspondences and formal affinities that inspired Bonnard to break with naturalism and impressionism.

Sycamore and the visitor experience

To provide an in-depth understanding of this influence, Sycamore has provided audio guides and produced content in French and English. Using these tools, visitors will be able to explore the exhibition in an interactive and immersive way, discovering the nuances of Japanese aesthetics in Bonnard’s works.

Pierre Bonnard: an artist inspired by Japan

At the end of the 19th century, the Nabis group, of which Pierre Bonnard was a member, was deeply interested in artistic modernity. Bonnard, who divides his life between the Paris region, Normandy, Isère and the Côte d’Azur, finds in the diversity of landscapes and lights an inexhaustible source of inspiration. However, it was Japanese aesthetics, discovered during the exhibition of prints at the École des Beaux-arts in 1890, which marked a decisive turning point in his art.

Characteristics of Japanese influence

Bonnard is inspired by Ukiyo-e which means “images of the floating world”, and adopts aesthetic principles such as the flexibility of movements, the contrast of colors, arabesque lines, and the flattening of space. These elements allowed Bonnard to develop a distinct style, far removed from realistic representation, to concentrate on the expression of feelings and ephemeral moments.

The detachment from illusionism present in Japanese works also gives Bonnard great freedom in the construction of his images, where several spaces and temporalities coexist. The liveliness of tones, characteristic of Japanese prints, finds a particular echo with Bonnard, who sees in color a means of expressing light, shapes and character without recourse to relief or modeling.

A dynamic scenography

The exhibition presents Bonnard’s works – paintings, drawings, posters and engravings – alongside Japanese prints from the prestigious Leskowicz collection. The dynamic scenography shows how artists distant in time and space can share similar aesthetic questions and express similar ideas and emotions. Visitors will thus be able to understand how Japan guided Bonnard towards an exploration of color, light, the instant and fleeting feelings.

An unforgettable experience

Don’t miss this exceptional exhibition which offers you a unique look at the genius of Pierre Bonnard and his deep link with Japanese art. Thanks to the audio guides provided by Sycomore, you will be able to enrich your visit and fully appreciate the subtleties of this artistic encounter. Meet at the Hôtel de Caumont – Art Center from April 30 to October 6, 2024 for a unique journey through art and the influence of Japan on one of the greatest French painters.

For more information and to plan your visit, visit our official website.

FAQ about the “Bonnard and Japan” Exhibition

1. When does the “Bonnard and Japan” exhibition take place? The exhibition will be held from April 30 to October 6, 2024 at the Hôtel de Caumont – Center d’Art.
2. What tools does Sycamore provide for this exhibition? Sycomore provided A-guide smart audio guides and produced content in French and English to enrich the visitor experience.
3. What works will be presented during the exhibition? The exhibition will present paintings, drawings, posters and engravings by Pierre Bonnard, as well as a selection of Japanese prints from the Leskowicz collection.
4. How did Japanese art influence Pierre Bonnard? Bonnard was deeply influenced by Japanese aesthetics, incorporating principles such as flexibility of movement, contrast of colors, and flattening of space into his works.
5. How can visitors enjoy the exhibition in depth? Thanks to audio guides provided by Sycomore, visitors can explore the exhibition in an immersive way, with detailed explanations of the Japanese influence on Bonnard’s works.

For any additional information, see our complete FAQ.