Japan welcomes the first ‘Francis Bacon’ retrospective in 30 years

The first Francis Bacon retrospective in Japan and Asia for 30 years had a grand private opening on the evening of the 7th March at The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. Attendees included: H.E. Mr. John Neary - Ambassador of Ireland to Japan, Jeff Streeter - Director of the British Council in Japan, Christophe Dejean - representative of The Estate of Francis Bacon, Peter Welz - artist, Mr Sachio Kamogawa, Director of MoMAT (featured above delivering his introductory speech to the Press), Director of Toyota Municipal Museum of Modern Art, and representatives of the Corporate Sponsors. More than 220 journalists and photographers attended the Press Conference. The next morning on its first day of public viewing the museum impressively welcomed over 1200 visitors. The retrospective features over 30 Francis Bacon works including 6 triptychs. Adopting the theme of the 'body’, an important subject to Bacon, the exhibition comprises of three chapters that attempt to trace the changes in his expressive style. 'Francis Bacon' runs from the 8th March to the 26th May at the Tokyo Museum of Modern Art, before traveling to the The Toyota Municipal Museum of Art from the 8th June to 1st September. To view more photographs from the private opening night click here.

‘Francis Bacon’ The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo 8th March – 26th May 2013 http://www.momat.go.jp/english/  Traveling to: The Toyota Municipal Museum of Art 8th June – 1st September 2013 http://www.museum.toyota.aichi.jp/