The 23rd France-Japan Multinational Contemporary Art Exhibition 2022 English｜EXPOSITIONS PRÉCÉDENTES / PREVIOUS EXHIBITIONS

The 23rd exhibition organized by the Japan International Artists Society, which was held for 10 days, from August 11 to 21, 2022, in Roppongi, in the National Art Center, Tokyo, was a great success. It welcomed around 6,000 visitors. This time, in addition to 408 works created by 253 artists working mainly in Japan, 100 works by foreign artists famous in French Salons were also presented, bringing it to 506 works that visitors could admire. By providing a point of view on current art as it is represented in French salons, the calibre of this exhibition has received international praised.

Upon standing in the entrance that extended into the main hall of the building, one could perceive a diversity that perfectly characterized the exhibition. Visitors were welcomed by works executed by the standard-bearers of French art, the honorary president of the Société des Artistes Français and the President of the Salon d'Automne in the lead. Oil paintings, traditional style paintings, colorful paintings, calligraphy and even space design works by Japanese artists were exhibited.

As one walked through the exhibition halls that were divided into 26 spaces, they would first encounter a body of work that expressed motifs, techniques, color and three-dimensional beauty characteristic of French art. Works from the Netherlands, the United States and China could also be admired. Then, visitors could analyze more Asia-centric works created by the best contemporary Japanese artist in the scene. All genres combined together demonstrated diverse techniques such as oil painting, watercolor, pastel, as well as Nihon-ga style paintings, abstract, concrete paintings, calligraphy, ink painting, Kiri-e, ceramics and even digital art. At the back of the room, the visitors were invited to see a final piece strewn on a large axis 4 meters high majestically displayed above the public. Closing the exhibit was a special "Private Space", a dedicated space for everyone to converse and contemplate the art. This section has gained a reputation over the past few years as a unique showcase that highlights the artists universe.

In addition, various works belonging to the architectural and space design genres were also exhibited. Many visitors spoke to the members of the exhibition team to tell them how wonderful they felt about the show:
“After finishing the exhibition, when I left the premises, I thought I would have liked to have had a little more time to admire this large and varied exhibition”
“I will come back to see it while it is still in place"
“It was a pleasure for the eyes", " I was inspired by the place"
“It was a marvelous exhibition"
Were some of just a few examples of the kind comments that were made.

On the first day of the exhibition, Mr. Jean-Marie ZACCHI, The Honorary President and Advisor of the Exhibition of Contemporary Art France-Japan and Mr. Denis Legrand, the president of the Salon d’Automne, connected with the venue and visitors via internet to deliver a message of congratulations on the holding of the exhibition. In addition, Mr. ZACCHI, Mr. LEGRAND, Mr. LOILIER, (judge of this exhibition) and Mr. Bruno Madelaine the president of the Société des Artistes Français, recorded video messages which were broadcast in the venue and via social networks. We continue to receive many positive comments about the quality of the event.

Messages vidéo

In addition, this year, the “Award Ceremony” for the winners of the previous year's exhibition, which was canceled due to the coronavirus crisis, was held at the National Art Center of Tokyo’s Auditorium. At the beginning of the ceremony, the (first in three years), Mr. Jean-Marie ZACCHI spoke via a video message to the award-winning artists. Mr. Bumpei MAGORI, President of JIAS, awarded a certificate to each of the laureates. The sponsors of this exhibition awarded additional prizes, and finally awarded artists the "Prix de Bronze" and the "Mention award" of the Le Salon 2022, where they were presented with their certificates and medals.

Unfortunately, this year's event was once again held with restrictions caused by the coronavirus crisis. Nevertheless, messages of regret regarding the difficulty of some artists to be unable to visit the site were given and many reports of the exhibition via social networks were posted. We received many compliments from both inside and outside of Japan.

Finally, we want to conclude this message by talking about the charity project supporting the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. This project buys art supplies for painting-loving children in the city of Rikuzentakata. 600 sketchbooks were purchased through the donations of 52,800 yen to the Rikuzentakata City Nursery Association. The notebooks were distributed in the city's kindergarten.