Japanese Artist Mimei Sakamoto Reflects on Journey to Prestigious Salon d’Automne

The exhibition has produced famous artists such as Picasso, Cézanne, and Matisse, and birthed major trends in modern art such as Fauvism and Cubism.

Mimei Sakamoto, for JAPAN Forward

An artwork by Japanese artist Mimei Sakamoto, who has been expanding her field of work from cartoonist to critic and commentator, was selected for the Salon d’Automne (“autumn salon”). The French art exhibition is esteemed for its focus on avant-garde and up-and-coming artists. A private view of her work was held in Paris on October 27.

The Salon d’Automne first opened in 1903 and has been a platform for new movements in modern art such as Fauvism and Cubism. Japanese artists who have entered their work in the past include Foujita Tsuguharu, Keizo Koyama, Seiji Togo, Yuzo Saeki, and Hiro Yamagata.

Mimei Sakamoto, 56, has previously written an article for JAPAN Forward in which she discussed her determination to overcome her illness and difficulties presented by the pandemic. This time, she has expressed her joy at overcoming those challenges and being selected for the exhibition. Her essay on the exhibition follows.

Photo courtesy of © JAPAN Forward

To Live as ‘A Drop in the Vast Ocean of Art’

On October 27, 2021, I stood under the statue of Charles de Gaulle at the Champs-Élysées–Clemenceau station in Paris. I have come to attend a vernissage (private viewing) of my painting Bateau L’avoir, selected for the world-famous Salon d’Automne, with other artists and guests.

I received a printed invitation from Le Club des Amis de l’Europe et des Arts, an organization that helps Japanese artists enter their work in overseas exhibitions. We were not allowed to enter the venue without this invitation and a pass sanitaire (health pass). Of course, masks were also mandatory.

Photo courtesy of © JAPAN Forward

Those with an invitation were allowed to bring only one guest. My solo exhibition in Paris was going to be in November, but I decided to come early for this rare opportunity.

Needless to say, I was overjoyed when I found out my work had been selected for the Salon d’Automne. The exhibition has produced famous artists such as Picasso, Cézanne, and Matisse, and been the birthplace of major trends in modern art such as Fauvism and Cubism.

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