Exotic x Modern 2018-2019

This special exhibit explores how French artists and designers were influenced and inspired by African, Middle Eastern and Asian cultures and ideas in the period between the two world wars. Known as Art Deco, this style of visual arts is evident in a broad range of materials, from paintings to furniture, sculpture to fashion and jewelry. At that time, there was a growing interest in the African music, dance and art that were eagerly brought to France. The discovery of King Tut's tomb in 1922 also contributed to this fascination with non-Western cultures. There couldn't be a better venue for this show than the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, which is an Art Deco mansion built in 1933. The former residence of Prince Asaka, it is the perfect backdrop for more than 80 Art Deco pieces, most of which are shown in Japan for the very first time.