FRANCIS BACON AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MODERN ART TOKYO

アイルランドのダブリン生まれの芸術家フランシス・ベーコン(1909-1992)の「フランシス・ベーコン展」が、3月8日より東京国立近代美術館で開催される。

世界的に活躍した芸術家のフランシス・ベーコン。20世紀と重なるベーコンは、ピカソと並んで、20世紀を代表する画家の1人。誕生100年となる2008年から2009年には、テート・ブリテン(英国)、プラド美術館(スペイン)、メトロポリタン美術館(アメリカ)という世界でも主要な美術館を回顧展が行われた。本展では、ベーコンの「世界」を、代表作、大作を多く含む計33点以上もの作品が展示される。詳しくはコチラ!

フランシス・ベーコン展
会期:2013年3月8日(金)~ 2013年5月26日(日)
会場:東京国立近代美術館
住所:東京都千代田区北の丸公園3-1
料金:一般 1,500円(1,300円) 大学生 1,100円(900円)高校生 700円(500円)

One of paintings most interesting contemporary artists, Francis Bacon, will be celebrated in an Exhibition at the National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo from 8th March. Bacon’s paintings were often startling in their dark portrail of their 20th Century subject matter. This article from The Guardian Newspaper is a brilliant introduction to the importance of Francis Bacon’s work. Where as contemporary art, particularly from Japan, leans towards ‘POP’, Bacon’s aesthetic is instantly recognizable and ‘tells us about the strengths and weaknesses of the moment’.

The Francis Bacon website gives details of the upcoming exhibition…

Timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of his death, this exhibition will introduce audiences to Bacon’s “world” by presenting around 50 works including 10 triptychs, the format that came to symbolize his art practice.

The format of this Japanese exhibition is entirely original. More than simply a retrospective, it will also take the form of a themed exhibition focusing on the “body,” which was extremely important to Bacon, and comprising three “chapters” that attempt to trace the changes in his expressive style. A part that attempts to identity the influences Bacon had on “contemporaneous” artists will also be included in the form of an epilogue. In this way, this exhibition, the first to be held not only in Japan but in Asia since Bacon’s death, could be described as epoch-making in a variety of ways. As if to back this up, in addition to the five works known to be held in collections in Japan, works from major collections from around the world – including the Tate, the Museum of Modern Art (New York), the Hirshhorn Museum (Washington), the Estate of Francis Bacon, and the Yageo Foundation (Taiwan) – will make the journey to Japan.

After the earthquake many institutions questioned the safety of lending important works to galleries and museums in Japan, I’m really happy that it’s possible for such a fantastic exhibition to go ahead.

FRANCIS BACON
The National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo (click for official website)
Friday 8th March 2013 – Sunday 26th May 2013