‘Beat’ Takeshi Kitano shows at the Fondation Cartier in 2010
General Director of the Fondation Cartier, Hervé Chandès has had a long-standing fascination for the work and personality of the multi-talented, Japanese national treasure Takeshi Kitano (b.1947), giving him the idea to invite the artist to Paris to create a show transforming the entire exhibition space of Jean Nouvel’s glass building with his works of art.
Having carved a unique niche for himself in both Japanese and world popular culture, Takeshi Kitano (who goes by his stage name ‘Beat’) is probably one of the biggest media stars in his country, having also written novels, short stories, poetry and essay collections.
An accomplished painter (an interest he developed after a near-fatal motorcycle accident in the early 1990′s), Beat uses his artwork in his own films to startling and symbolic effect. He believes that painting is the ideal form of representation which is why it plays a very significant role in the creative process of his filmmaking.
‘Gosse de Peintre’ will be first showing of Takeshi Kitano’s work as an artist in Europe. He aims to create a family-friendly exhibition which engages the viewer through a series of bright playful paintings and whimsical interactive works. The show will also feature two short films specially commissioned by the foundation.
This landmark exhibition, in conjunction with the French release of his latest film ‘Achilles and the Tortoise’ (the story of a child who dreams of becoming a painter), is undeniably one of the most unexpected and ambitious shows ever created for the Fondation Cartier.
After its presentation in Paris, ‘Gosse de peintre’ will be shown at other venues around the world.
‘The foundation was created in 1984 by the Cartier firm as a center for contemporary art that presents exhibits by established artists, offers young artists a chance to debut, and incorporates works into its collection. In 1994 it moved to its current location in a building designed by architect Jean Nouvel with garden landscaping by Lothar Baumgarten’.
Fondation Cartier
261, boulevard Raspail
75014 Paris
+33 (0) 1 42 18 56 50
Visit : www.fondation.cartier.com
