An eagerly anticipated exhibition, "Paris Comes to Tokyo," is set to grace the Aiiima Gallery within the Hikarie Shibuya complex. This remarkable showcase revives the time-honored tradition of artistic exchange between Japanese and European creatives, a legacy steeped in historical significance.

In the summer of 2023, three exceptional artists converged in the enchanting streets of Paris to retrace the artistic footsteps of luminaries such as Tsuguharu Foujita, Yuzo Saeki, Seiki Kuroda or Umehara Ryūzaburō. The contemporary trio, composed of Japanese artist Kina Sato, along with Monaco talents Zoia Skoropadenko and Clem Chambers, embarked on a collaborative journey, capturing the ethereal beauty of the world's most alluring city—Paris—through a collection of meticulously crafted drawings and paintings.

The inspiration for this current exhibition stemmed from a visit by Skoropadenko and Sato to a groundbreaking showcase by artist Yuzo Saeki at the Tokyo Station Gallery in March 2023. The story, prodigious talent, and deep-rooted love for Paris exhibited by Saeki served as the catalyst that brought these artists together in the heart of Paris during the summer, where they indulged in extensive painting sessions, subsequently endeavoring to bring the spirit of Paris to Tokyo.

The exhibition promises to enchant viewers with its vibrant depiction of iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, the quintessential corner cafés, the Louvre, and, of course, the exquisite Parisian bridges.

Notably, a charming anecdote arises during the creative process. As Paris is preparing for the upcoming Olympics, occasional street closures were enforced for security training. Seizing the opportunity, Sato and Skoropadenko embarked on sketching the Grand Palais when Champs-Élysées temporarily ceased to accommodate vehicular traffic. In those fleeting moments, the artists harnessed a unique and mesmerizing perspective of the Arc de Triomphe and the Odalisk at Place de la Concorde. They diligently produced dozens of sketches before drawing curious crowds and the watchful gaze of Parisian police, who kindly requested them to relocate.

One exceptional centerpiece of the exhibition is a portrait drawing of Tsuguharu Foujita, executed by the legendary cinematic auteur, Orson Welles. This poignant work, on loan from a private collection, symbolizes the harmonious confluence of Western and Eastern artistic sensibilities.

Additionally, the exhibition will present "Blue Boy and Red Boy in Paris," a recent collaborative series of paintings by Skoropadenko and Chambers that promises to be a visual feast for art enthusiasts.

"Paris Comes to Tokyo" represents a harmonious blend of cultures, a visual journey, and an artistic celebration, promising to leave an indelible mark on the vibrant art scene of Tokyo.