Alfonse Mucha

⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎Legendary
Official Site

Taking photograph is allowed on specified works. 

Site: The National Art Center, Tokyo
Until 5th June, 2017

It is not an event but a legend-to-be.  The complete squad of "The Slav Epic" has come!
They are not only national treasures of Czechia, but also common legacy of human beings: beauty and idea, skill and passion, hope and introspect...

Visitor will be overwhelmed at the first room by the charisma and perfection of Slavs in Their Original Homeland, The Celebration of Svantovit and The Introduction of the Slavonic Liturgy, as if they were at Cappella Sistina.

Slavs in Their Original Homeland shows eternal tranquility in heaven in starlight in conjunction with galloping menace on earth.  The shade and color is the final reaching point of quest for light through touches by Impressionist and Neo-impressionist, preoccupying the goal of postwar Japanese nihonga painters.
The mysterious shade seems largely to come from use of tempera.
The posture and looks on face of figures in front scene is derived from study of Michelangelo, embodying unyielding soul of the nation even under fear.

The Celebration of Svantovit is a monument of Peace and War.  The atmosphere and light, aura around gods, the dance of female priest, smoke and torches...all difficult to narrate.
This work is on the summit of "Historical Painting".
Again, study and absorption of precedent works is integrated with his own genius. Composition as a whole and natural staying of figures in the air  is too superb.

The Introduction of the Slavonic Liturgy is a magic to combine a realistic youth with iconic Slav monarchs in Byzantine style by the unique light and atmosphere.  A study of Beato Angelico might have made any hint.

The works on Hussiten are dedicated to the dignity of soul.  One can find elements from Baroque, Japonism (in composition), and romanticism.  A message to oppose to hates is grave in current situation.

The section of works on modern events is featured on reliance to enlightenment, progress and pan-nationalism, which, in real history, were betrayed through twice of World Wars. Nevertheless, the ideal that nationalism, pan-nationalism or patriotism could be peaceful, as embodied in the floods of light full of hope, is not to be abandoned.  

Holy Mount Athos

from The Last days of Jan Amos Komenský in Naarden

Apotheosis of the Slavs

from The Abolition of Serfdom in Russia

Other sections is largely from Alfonse Mucha Musem, Sakai, ex Doi collection.  Thanks to the good-taste, foresight and passion of Mr. Doi Kimio!

This exhibition is really superb, but, from point of view of conservation, this loan to Japan and further to China over 2 years (then possibly to South Korea and U.S.) risks severe damage to the masterpiece.

While I doubted how such large works has been shipped to Japan, each time of transportation to and display on different cities, the canvases are scrolled and spread again! 

According to an article, all former loan abroad required restoration after the works returned home.  I wonder why alternative transportation could not be adopted.  And long-time loan to China will be with risk of damage through air severe pollution.