Jean-Michel Folon: Guide to Imaginary Journeys
This major retrospective, the first in Japan in three decades, celebrates the work of Jean-Michel Folon (1934-2005), one of Belgium’s foremost artists of the latter half of the 20th century. Approximately 230 works will be on display, including early drawings, watercolors, prints, posters, and three-dimensional works. The exhibition takes its inspiration from Folon’s calling card, "AGENCE DEVOYAGES IMAGINAIRES (Imaginary Travel Agency)," inviting visitors to embark on an imaginary journey through the artist’s oeuvre, rediscovering the gentle yet poignant messages he left behind.
All works are from the Folon Foundation Collection.
Folon Foundation Collection ©Fondation Folon, ADAGP/Paris, 2024-2025
Dates and Hours
The exhibition will run from January 11th (Saturday) to March 23rd (Sunday), 2025. The museum will be closed on Mondays, with the exception of January 13th and February 24th, which are public holidays. It will also be closed on January 14th (Tuesday) and February 25th (Tuesday).
The museum’s regular hours are from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. On Fridays, the museum will remain open until 8:00 PM. Please note that the last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
Venue and Admission
The exhibition will be held at the Nagoya City Art Museum.
Admission fees are as follows:
- General admission: 1,800 yen (1,600 yen for advance tickets and groups of 20 or more)
- College/University students: 1,000 yen (800 yen for advance tickets and groups of 20 or more)
- Junior high school students and younger: Free
Contact Information
For any inquiries, please contact the Nagoya City Art Museum:
- Telephone: 052-212-0001
- Fax: 052-212-0005
- Website: https://ourfolon.jp/
Access
The Nagoya City Art Museum is conveniently accessible by public transportation:
- Fushimi Station (Higashiyama and Tsurumai Subway Lines): An 8-minute walk south from Exit 5.
- Osu Kannon Station (Tsurumai Subway Line): A 7-minute walk north from Exit 2.
- Yabacho Station (Meijo Subway Line): A 10-minute walk west from Exit 4.
What is Jean-Michel Folon’s artistic style?
Jean-Michel Folon’s art is marked by its simplicity and dreamlike quality. He often uses soft, muted colors and fluid lines to create a tranquil and introspective atmosphere. Folon is known for conveying emotions and ideas through minimalistic compositions, frequently depicting solitary figures in open spaces that suggest contemplation and solitude.
His work explores themes such as human experience, freedom, and time, encouraging viewers to reflect. Folon’s use of watercolor and ink adds a delicate, ethereal quality to his art, enhancing its imaginative nature. Common motifs like birds, open windows, and expansive skies symbolize liberation and the potential of the human spirit.
Folon’s ability to combine whimsy with philosophical depth gives his art a broad appeal, resonating with diverse audiences. His style encourages viewers to pause and reflect, offering a gentle escape into a world where imagination and reality meet.
