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

This summer, the Hôtel de Caumont – Centre d’Art invites you to dive into the world of Pierre Bonnard and discover the profound influence of Japanese art on his works. From April 30 to October 6, 2024, the exhibition “Bonnard and Japan” 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 movement. Visitors will be able to admire his works alongside Japanese prints, highlighting the formal correspondences and affinities that inspired Bonnard to break with naturalism and impressionism.

Sycamore and the visitor experience

To provide a deeper understanding of this influence, Sycomore has provided audio guides and produced content in French and English. Through 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 divided his time between the Paris region, Normandy, Isère and the Côte d’Azur, found an inexhaustible source of inspiration in the diversity of landscapes and lights. However, it was the Japanese aesthetic, discovered at the print exhibition at the École des Beaux-Arts in 1890, that marked a decisive turning point in his art.

Characteristics of Japanese influence

Bonnard was inspired by Ukiyo-e , which means “images of the floating world”, and adopted aesthetic principles such as the flexibility of movement, the contrast of colors, the arabesque lines, and the flattening of space. These elements allowed Bonnard to develop a distinct style, far from realistic representation, to focus 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 the tones, characteristic of Japanese prints, finds a particular echo in Bonnard, who sees in color a means of expressing light, forms and character without resorting 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 far removed 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 colour, light, the instantaneous and fleeting feelings.

An unforgettable experience

Don’t miss this exceptional exhibition that offers you a unique look at the genius of Pierre Bonnard and his deep connection with Japanese art. Thanks to the audio guides provided by Sycomore, you can enrich your visit and fully appreciate the subtleties of this artistic encounter. Visit the Hôtel de Caumont – Centre d’Art from April 30 to October 6, 2024 for a unique journey through the art and 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 Exhibition “Bonnard and Japan”

1. When is the exhibition “Bonnard and Japan”? The exhibition will be held from April 30 to October 6, 2024 at the Hôtel de Caumont – Centre d’Art.

2. What tools did Sycomore 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 at the exhibition? The exhibition will feature 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 the flattening of space into his works.

5. How can visitors enjoy the exhibition in depth? Thanks to the audio guides provided by Sycomore, visitors can explore the exhibition in an immersive way, with detailed explanations on the Japanese influence on Bonnard’s works.

For additional information, please see our full FAQ.