Tarō Okamoto at the Musée du Quai Branly: An Artistic Journey to Japan

The Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac is hosting a major new exhibition dedicated to Japanese artist Tarō Okamoto, a key figure in modern Japanese art who remains relatively unknown in France. Through a rich and immersive journey, this retrospective explores four decades of bold, multifaceted work that bridges traditional influences and avant-garde experimentation.

An artistic journey between Paris, Tokyo, and invisible worlds

Tarō Okamoto arrived in Paris in 1929 and quickly immersed himself in the European intellectual and artistic scene. He became close to surrealist circles and discovered abstraction, while deepening his thinking at the Musée de l’Homme, where he studied ethnology under Marcel Mauss and Paul Rivet. These Parisian experiences left a lasting imprint on his creative vision.

Okamoto stood out through his interdisciplinary approach—painting, sculpture, photography, writing—no artistic form was off-limits. His thought developed at the crossroads of cultures, enriched by his connections with Georges Bataille and the Acéphale group, where art, philosophy, and mysticism converged.

Post-war Japan through the eyes of a free spirit

Upon returning to Japan in 1940, Okamoto quickly became a central figure in the country’s artistic landscape during a time of reconstruction. A passionate advocate for a vibrant, experimental popular culture, he inspired a new generation of artists and thinkers. Between the 1950s and 1970s, he played a pivotal role in shaping Japan’s artistic avant-garde across multiple disciplines.

The Tower of the Sun: A masterpiece and symbol of Okamoto’s vision

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the monumental Tower of the Sun (Taiyō no Tō), created for the 1970 World Expo in Osaka. This iconic structure, part sculpture, part manifesto, and part immersive experience, embodies Okamoto’s vision of art as a sensory and spiritual journey, accessible to all.

A dialogue between Okamoto’s work and the museum’s collections

Through a dynamic curatorial approach, the exhibition creates an engaging dialogue between Okamoto’s creations and the museum’s ethnographic collections. This unique intersection offers new insight into the richness of his practice and his singular contribution to 20th-century art. Visitors are invited to reflect on the connections between contemporary expression, Japanese tradition, and social commitment.

A cultural event not to be missed in Paris

This exceptional exhibition offers French audiences a rare opportunity to delve into the prolific universe of a visionary artist. Largely overlooked outside of Japan, Tarō Okamoto’s radical and poetic work is finally receiving the spotlight it deserves.

Book your ticket for an unforgettable journey into 20th-century Japan through the eyes of an extraordinary artist—and don’t forget to share your experience with our reception team!

Open until September 7, 2025. Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Late opening on Thursdays until 10:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays

Photo ©wikicommons