Presentation of Original Japanese Prints from the Georges Leskowicz Collection
Featuring works by Utamaro, Chōki, Eishi, Shūchō, Hokusai, Toyokuni, Hiroshige, and the contemporary visual artist Makiko Furuichi.
The Edo period (1603–1868) stands as a pivotal era in Japanese history, marked by peace and economic prosperity that profoundly influenced the arts. It was during this time that Japanese prints experienced a remarkable flourishing.
Through these prints, notable painters of the ukiyo-e movement (an artistic trend of the Edo period) distinguished themselves, particularly in their depictions of women. These portrayals often embodied elegance, education, and contemporary ideals of beauty, showcasing women in scenes of daily life, leisure, artistic pursuits, or moments of contemplation.
True witnesses to a codified society, these prints reflect the fashion and social modernity of their time. While they inspired the Impressionists in the 19th century, their influence continues to resonate in today’s art.
The work of contemporary Japanese artist Makiko Furuichi attests to this enduring legacy. With poetic sensitivity, she creates delicate silhouettes, subtly echoing the feminine representations crafted by the great ukiyo-e masters.
Makiko Furuichi’s textile installations, accompanied by watercolors, contrast with the sophisticated patterns of traditional kimonos.
This exhibition celebrates Japanese art as an endeavor not merely to depict reality but also to inspire the contemplation of subtle and refined beauty.
The Centre Jacques Brel is proudly supported by the City of Thionville.
