Japan’s first retrospective exhibition of French sculptor François Pompon (1855-1933) will be held this summer.

François Pompon aspired to become a sculptor in the late 19th century, and perfected his innovative style of animal sculptures in the early 20th century. Pompon used his observation of animal shapes and movements to express them in his characteristic lively forms and beautiful silhouettes. His animal sculptures are abstract in shape and loved by all, bringing joy to those who see them. Recently Pompon’s works are gaining recognition and the popularity of his works has increased in Japan.

Displaying early works from when he was an aspiring sculptor, to works he created when he became renowned for his masterpiece Polar Bear (1923-1933), this exhibition brings us closer to Pompon’s life and the beauty of his art.

This is the first retrospective exhibition in Japan, spanning the scope of his creative works with approximately 90 pieces of his art, from the François Pompon Museum in his hometown of Salieu, The Dijon Museum of Fine Arts, his creative base The Musee d’Orsay and the Gunma Museum of Art, Tatebayashi.