Homage to Foujita Tsuguharu
Ars longa, vita brevis (61 cm 76 cm)
Cafe (76 cm x 61 cm)
This artwork presents a striking and evocative composition, blending the artistic sensibilities of Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita and Egon Schiele into a harmonious yet provocative tableau. The central figure, Foujita, evokes expressive portraiture characteristic of Heimler & Proc, whose works often delve into the complexities of human desire and identity. Encircling him is a female figure from Egon Schiele's watercolour. Her lithe form is draped in a teal garment that slips provocatively, revealing a lace-trimmed undergarment and a black stocking—a nod to Foujita's lifelong fascination with the feminine form. Her vibrant red hair cascades freely, adding a dynamic energy reminiscent of Schiele’s bold color choices.
At the heart of the composition rests a sphynx cat, its hairless body and alert gaze symbolizing the enduring presence of felines in Foujita’s oeuvre. Often depicted as companions and muses, the cat here serves as a bridge between the human figures. Its poised demeanor grounds the scene in a tender yet enigmatic intimacy. The interplay of the figures—her affectionate embrace, his stoic presence, and the cat’s watchful eye—merges Foujita’s romanticized portrayal of women and cats with Schiele’s raw exploration of desire, creating a multifaceted narrative that celebrates both artists’ obsessions. The warm beige background enhances the dreamlike quality, inviting contemplation of the eternal dance between human passion and feline companionship.
Closness (76 cm x 61 cm)
Separation (76 cm x 61 cm)
This arresting artwork offers a sophisticated reinterpretation of the enigmatic Portrait of Gabrielle d'Estrées and One of Her Sisters from the School of Fontainebleau, housed in the Louvre, reimagined with a distinctive modern flourish. The composition retains the intimate, theatrical framing of the original, with rich crimson curtains enveloping two nude figures seated side by side, their bare forms rendered with a delicate, almost otherworldly finesse. In place of Gabrielle d'Estrées, the figure now embodies Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita, his dark hair and bespectacled visage rendered with a contemplative air. His gesture of extending a ring-adorned hand towards his companion evokes a symbolic proposal, a metaphorical union of Eastern artistry with Western tradition.
Beside him, the second figure gazes serenely. Her reimagined presence complements Heimler & Proc’s narrative. At the heart of the scene perches a sphynx cat. Its hairless elegance and watchful gaze embody the sophistication and personal affinity Foujita held for felines, a recurring motif in his oeuvre. The background unveils a darker interior, where a fireplace casts a warm glow, and a smaller figure in a red gown, reminiscent of the Fontainebleau portrait’s attendant, engages in quiet activity. Above the mantel, a framed image hints at an erotic undertone, preserving the original’s subtle sensuality.
This evocative artwork, titled 'Café', presents a refined reinterpretation of Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita’s eponymous original, imbued with a distinctive narrative shift. The composition departs from the initial portrayal of a female model, instead featuring a depiction of Foujita, seated with a contemplative pose, his dark hair and bespectacled visage rendered with meticulous detail. Beside him rests a sphynx cat, its sleek, hairless form and alert gaze serving as a loyal companion, reflecting Foujita’s well-documented affinity for felines. The pair is framed against the plush orange upholstery of a café booth, evoking the vibrant Parisian atmosphere that inspired the artist.
The background unveils a bustling café scene, reminiscent of the works of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, whose depictions of Parisian nightlife and bohemian society undoubtedly influenced Foujita. Figures in elegant attire, including a gentleman in a top hat and another in a suit, engaged in conversation, populate the space. The interplay of warm and muted tones, coupled with the artist’s characteristic bold outlines, crafts a tableau that celebrates Foujita’s prominent role within the Parisian cultural milieu. Heimler & Proc highlight Foujita's role in his adopted city’s artistic heritage.
The autoportrait accompanied by a cat was one of the favourite subjects of Tsugaru Foujita's paintings. Inspired by these artworks, Heimler & Proc created a series of portraits of Foujita accompanied by a cat, in which they intend to express pictorially his psychology as an artist. Their choice of a Sphynx cat points out the current time and the sophisticated character of Foujita.
The painting 'Separation' is inspired by Van Gogh's autoportrait. Indeed, Foujita replaces Van Gogh. This painting refers to the fact that Japanese collectors sought after Van Gogh works, and Foujita also wanted to be recognised in his country of origin.
Van Gogh's famous painting 'Sunflowers' belongs to the Shinjuku-ku Sompo Art Gallery collection in Tokyo. Foujita comes from that part of Tokyo. This gallery recently hosted the exhibition of Foujita's works.
Léonard Tsuguharu Fujita, a Japanese artist who sought to carve his name among the luminaries of European art, aspired to transcend the boundaries of cultural and artistic convention. His ambition was to fuse the sensibilities of his Eastern heritage with the avant-garde currents of the West, creating a unique oeuvre that defied the rigid norms of 19th-century European aesthetics.
Édouard Manet's 'Olympia', unveiled at the Paris Salon in 1865, serves as a historical touchstone for artistic controversy. The painting's bold depiction of a reclining nude, confronting the viewer with an unflinching gaze, provoked outrage for its perceived defiance of moral and artistic decorum.
In envisioning Fujita's place within this narrative, Heimler & Proc imagine him accompanied by his inseparable feline companion, a symbol of his individuality and nonconformity. The cat, a creature unbound by the strictures of human convention, mirrors Fujita's own desire to exist outside the constraints of 19th-century artistic norms. Through this lens, Fujita emerges as a figure of modernity, bridging cultures and eras with a vision that is both timeless and audacious.
On Olympia’s bed (61 cm x 76 cm)