Léonard Tsugouharu Foujita

Style: Expressionism;

Place: Tokyo

Born: 1886

Death: 1968

Biography:

Early Life and Education

, a renowned Japanese-French painter and printmaker, was born on November 27, 1886, in Tokyo, Japan. He applied Japanese ink techniques to Western style paintings, earning him the title of "the most important Japanese artist working in the West during the 20th century." Foujita's artistic journey began with his graduation from what is now the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music in 1910.

Artistic Career

Foujita's early work, often signed "Fujita," was characterized by its unique blend of Japanese techniques and Western style. In 1913, he moved to Montparnasse, Paris, where he befriended notable artists like Juan Gris, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse. His first studio at no. 5 rue Delambre became a hub for models and artists alike, with the luxury of a bathtub with hot running water.

Notable Works and Exhibitions

* Book of Cats (1930), published in New York by Covici Friede, featuring 20 etched plate drawings, is one of the top 500 rare books ever sold. * A la Rotonde or Café de la Rotonde (1925/7), part of the Tableaux de Paris series, documents Foujita's life in Montparnasse. * In 1932, Foujita contributed to the Pax Mundi, a large folio book produced by the League of Nations, calling for world peace.

Legacy and Later Life

Foujita's artistic genius was recognized with the Belgian Order of Leopold and the French Legion of Honor in 1925. After his third marriage, he traveled to Latin America, giving successful exhibitions, including a notable show in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1931. Foujita eventually returned to Japan, becoming a noted producer of militaristic propaganda during World War II.

• Explore more of Foujita's work on Wikioo.org
• Discover the Ukiyo-e Art Movement, which influenced Foujita's style, at Wikioo.org's Ukiyo-e Art Movement page
• Learn more about the Menard Art Museum, which features Western art, including works by European artists from the 19th and 20th centuries, at Wikioo.org's El Museo Menard Art Museum page

* November 27, 1886: Born in Tokyo, Japan * 1910: Graduated from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music * 1913: Moved to Montparnasse, Paris * January 29, 1968: Passed away