Painter Raoul Dufy (1877-1953) continues to attract many people today with his works that use vibrant, bright colors and light brushstrokes. This exhibition brings together Dufy's modern and elegant paintings and textile-related works, including silk fabrics favored by haute couture designers of the early 20th century, such as the emperor of fashion, Paul Poiret.
Dufy, who painted works filled with the "joie de vivre," including sun-soaked landscapes of the south of France and oil paintings themed on music and high society, was deeply involved not only in painting but also in textile design. Dufy's vibrant colors and bold motifs in his fabrics are said to have fascinated upper-class women and created a great reputation. From 1912 to 28, he contracted with Bianchini-Ferrier, a silk manufacturer in Lyon, France, to provide them with many textile designs, which had a major impact on the fashion of the time.
This exhibition will explore the appeal of Dufy's art by showcasing his representative paintings from his early period to his later years, as well as original drawings and sketches for textile designs, original textiles, and costume designs, to bring out the essence of the excellent decorativeness in his art.
We hope you will enjoy a relaxing time surrounded by the gorgeous artworks that adorned 20th century France.

Chapter 1 Paintings: The Joy of Living - Sunshine, Sea, and Music

This exhibition will trace the history of Dufy's artistic career through his representative works, from his early period to his later years. His works, painted with bright colors and light brushstrokes, such as calm seas filled with light, scenes from high society depicting well-dressed people, and paintings with a musical theme, cheerfully sing the joy of life and the joy of living.

Chapter 2: Encounter with fashion

In 1910, Dufy was commissioned by the poet Guillaume Apollinaire to create woodcut illustrations for his work "Beastiary or the Procession of Orpheus." The dramatic use of light and shade and the modern, simple composition of the works were extremely sophisticated. Fashion designer Paul Poiret highly evaluated Dufy's work and began collaborating with him to develop fabrics. Dufy, who had become interested in textile design, signed a contract with the Lyon-based firm Bianchini-Ferrier in 1912 to provide them with designs.
This chapter focuses on his development from woodblock prints and his collaborations with Poiret and Bianchini-Ferrier.

Chapter 3 Flowers and insects

For 1912 years, from 28 to 16, Dufy devoted himself to textile design. His designs, which featured innovative designs of familiar natural elements such as roses, various flowers, leaves, and butterflies, and were arranged in vivid colors, became extremely popular. You will be able to see the charm of the designs beloved by Parisian women through sketches, original drawings, textiles, and costume pieces.

Chapter 4 Modernity

In addition to examples inspired by the natural world, modern themes such as dance hall scenes and people playing sports appear colorfully on textiles. Also noteworthy are Dufy's original geometric design drawings. The series of figures, which contrast with the organic motifs, have an excellent harmony of color and form, and speak to the artist's creative talent. You can enjoy even more bold and modern designs by Dufy.