Le Corbusier -Master of the 20th Century Modernism Architecture

Born in Switzerland, Le Corbusier (1887-1965) moved to Paris to pursue a double career as both painter and architect. As a tribute to his outstanding achievements and contributions to 20th century architecture, the French government applied to register his work on the UNESCO World Heritage list this year. As a result, a total of 22 buildings and city plans, including representative works like the Villa Savoye and the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Haut, as well as the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo, were nominated for inclusion. This exhibition traces Corbusier's dedication to the field of architecture through models, photographs and videos on display, with a focus on the 22 nominated works. Focusing particularly on light effects inside architectural structures, this exhibition will examine the sensitivity and originality of his approach to light as an architectural element. Corbusier had a brilliant career not only as an architect, but also as a painter. Advocating purism, and staunchly critical of cubism, he went on to portray powerful women and other symbolic motifs in his canvases. Through a selection of his paintings, sculptures and tapestry works, visitors will discover that Corbusier's art and architecture were essentially two aspects and manifestations of the same unique ethos. Musée d'Art Mercian Karuizawa