Monet: I Can See the Lights - An Immersive Journey
『4th Installment of Immersive Digital Art Exhibition of Scenes Seen by Master of Light Claude Monet』
Featuring the World Premiere of New Art by Gianfranco Iannuzzi

■An immersive exhibition that lets viewers experience the world as Monet saw it to mark the 150th anniversary of the First Impressionist Exhibition

Born in Paris, France, Claude Monet (1840-1926) was a leading Impressionist painter. He captured changing landscapes and time on canvas using soft colors, creating numerous works of art throughout his life. Monet, a lover of nature who captured the sun with sensitive brush strokes, once said, "I would like to paint the way a bird sings."

This exhibition retraces the places Monet visited throughout his life, reliving scenes he saw, the family and friends he spent time with, and his life in Giverny, where he lived until the end, all accompanied by music. The film starts with "Impression, Sunrise," exhibited at the 1874 group exhibition (Exhibition of the Impressionists), which Monet and his fellows held independently, seeking a venue for their work apart from Salon de Paris in the late 19th century. The term "Impressionism" is said to have been coined from the harsh ridicule of a critic who saw this piece. How did Monet live in 19th-century France, where Impressionism formed? What did he wish to paint? What kind of light shone in the eyes of this painter? Relive Monet's feelings vicariously surrounded in a world of light.

In addition to the video exhibition, areas where you can learn about Monet and a photo spot that lets you enjoy Monet have been set up. The learning area explains the evolution of the Impressionist Exhibition, the themes Monet painted, the series technique he employed, and the Japonisme that influenced him. The photo spot is inspired by the "Water Lily Pond" in Giverny. Enjoy the world painted by Monet, along with the video.

Key visual for the exhibition

■Discover and Enjoy Monet. Retrace the Life of Monet Through a Digital Art Video Experience and Exhibition (Venue Guide)

●Introduction
Upon entering the venue, you will find an introduction to the 19th-century Paris art scene leading up to the birth of Impressionism. The journey leading to the exhibition that led to these young artists, influenced by backlash against the old style of painting and the many changes that had occurred since the Industrial Revolution, being called "Impressionists," is on display.

As "Monet's Footsteps," this exhibit also presents the places Monet visited throughout his life. We explain Paris, France, and other lands where Monet lived, as well as the paintings he created there.

●Immersive Digital Art
It is the main area of the exhibition, where viewers are immersed in art and story through an immersive digital art experience. This exhibition retraces the places Monet visited throughout his life, reliving scenes he saw, the family and friends he spent time with, and his life in Giverny, where he lived until the end, through various works of Monet and the Impressionists projected 360° on the floors and walls, all accompanied by music.

　

　

【Chapter Titles】
Chapter 1: Prologue—Impression, Sunrise
Chapter 2: Dancehalls
Chapter 3: Paris
Chapter 4: Ballerinas
Chapter 5: Saint-Lazare Station
Chapter 6: Normandy
Chapter 7: Banks of the Seine River
Chapter 8: Giverny
Chapter 9: Water Lilies
Chapter 10: Monet's Atelier
Chapter 11: Japonisme
Chapter 12: French Riviera / Cote d’Azur (Monet)
Chapter 13: French Riviera / Cote d’Azur (Renoir)
Chapter 14: Rouen, London, Venice
Chapter 15: Epilogue

At the digital art venue, we will provide digital handouts presenting exhibit information and real-time audio guides with explanations synchronized to the visuals free of charge. These can be accessed using QR codes at the venue, so bring your smartphone and headphones to enjoy.

●The History of the Impressionist Exhibitions
An area presenting the history of the Impressionist Exhibitions has been set up in the corridor ahead of the digital art venue. Masterpieces by Money, of course, and other painters, such as Renoir and Degas, who appeared in the First to Eighth Impressionist Exhibitions, are on life-size display and presented with commentary on each Exhibition.

●Learn About Monet and Impressionism
Beyond the video space is an exhibition on Monet and Impressionism. What did Monet paint, and how? What impact did the invention of tube paints and Japonisme have on his creativity? How were the vivid colors used by the Impressionist painters created? Have fun here as you learn the answers to these questions.

●A Photo Spot Where You Can Travel the World of Monet
A free photo spot for anyone to enter has been set up in the foyer of the venue. An arched bridge has been recreated in a space inspired by Monet's garden, the Water Lily Pond. Feel the light of Giverny as you travel through the world of Monet, snapping photos.

Design and creative direction: GIANFRANCO IANNUZZI
Multimedia content production: KARMACHINA.
©Kadokawa Culture Museum

■A Brand New Immersive Digital Art Theater from Gianfranco Iannuzzi and Kadokawa Culture Museum

An immersive experience that surrounds the viewer in art and story. Kadokawa Culture Museum has developed the Immersive Digital Art Theater, that makes full use of more than 1000 square meters of vast space to envelop the viewer in video and music in the Grand Gallery. This brand-new visual experience that seamlessly connects all walls and floor surfaces through a combination of 33 high-brightness projectors can only be experienced at Kadokawa Culture Museum and provides an extraordinary time and space that, unlike movies or VR, can be shared.

So far, the space has held its first exhibit, "Ukiyo-e Theater from Paris" (2021), its second exhibit, "Van Gogh—This is How I See the World" (2022), and its third exhibit, "Salvador Dali—Endless Enigma" (2023). Many visitors enjoyed the experience of being immersed in art.

While previous exhibits were adaptations of exhibits shown abroad customized for the Kadokawa Culture Museum, this time, Gianfranco Iannuzzi, who served as the creative director for the Van Gogh and Salvador Dali exhibitions, and the Kadokawa Culture Museum have teamed up to create a brand-new Monet exhibition. We will show it as a world premiere, distributing from Japan to the world.

● Immersive Art Creative Director Gianfranco Iannuzzi
A digital artist and creative director for immersive art exhibitions. As a pioneer of immersive art installations, he has hosted numerous exhibitions worldwide over more than 35 years, welcoming millions of viewers.

【Comment】
"I would describe my approach to art as creating an environment that is not only emotional, musical, and visual, but immersive and interactive as well, where an extraordinary space is repurposed, revived, and elevated through digital art to immerse the audience into the work of art, making them participants in that space."
"Since the late 80s, I have continued to create new immersive installations that incorporate new technology, providing audiences with opportunities to experience art on a more emotional level. I hope more people will enjoy art through this new type of immersive experience that also possesses a social aspect."

Website：http://www.gianfranco-iannuzzi.com/

Relevant Information

■Collaborative Items

Original items inspired by the art of Monet are on sale at the Rock Museum Shop inside the Kadokawa Culture Museum.
＊Here, we present a selection of these original items.

「Tote Bag」
A tote bag featuring a print of Monet's Water Lilies across the entire surface. Sized to fit A4 items, this tote can be carried on the shoulder.
Price: ¥1,650 (tax included)

「Acrylic Key Chain 」 (4 types)
A key chain designed with art by Monet on an acrylic bar. Includes a miniature museum logo charm. 
Price: ¥880 each (tax included)

「Water Lilies Coloring Book with Transparent Watercolor Paints」
A Water Lilies coloring book that comes with transparent watercolor paint in 12 colors (enough for the coloring book). As long as you have a brush and some water, you get started coloring with transparent watercolors right away. 
Price: ¥1,200 (tax included)

■ Collaborative Food and Drinks

During the exhibition period, the main restaurant, SACULA DINER, and the cafe KadoCafe inside the Kadokawa Culture Museum will offer collaborative food and drink items. KadoCafe will also run a campaign offering discounts for those who post on social media.

Period of Availability: Saturday,July 20, 2024 to Sunday, March 23, 2025
＊Some menu items will be available for a limited time only. The period of availability is subject to change.

●SACULA DINER

Price: ¥2,200 (tax included)

Price: ¥1,200 (tax included)

＊New food menu items will be created for the winter season.
＊Menu content is subject to change without notice.

 

●KadoCafe

 

Monet: I Can See the Lights - An Immersive Journey: Collaborative Print Latte Art
3 Types: "Woman with a Parasol" (left) / "Impression, Sunrise" (right) / "La Japonaise"
Price: ¥700 each (tax included)

★A discount campain for social media posts!
During the run of "Monet: I Can See the Lights - An Immersive Journey," post an image of the venue (including free areas) along with the hashtag

#immersivemonet

to social media to receive 5% off your total at KadoCafe. 
＊Show your post to a member of staff.

Exhibition Overview

Title：Monet: I Can See the Lights – An Immersive Journey
Venue：Kadokawa Culture Museum, 1st Floor Grand Gallery
Exhibition Period：Saturday, July 20, 2024 to Sunday, March 23, 2025
Closed：Every Tuesday (open on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, February 11, 2025 / Temporarily closed on Wednesday, January 1st, 2025, and Monday, January 20th to Friday, January 24th, 2025)
Hours：10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last admission at 5:30 PM)
Organizer：Kadokawa Culture Museum (Kadokawa Culture Promotion Foundation)
Supported by：Embassy of France in Japan / Institut Français
Cooperatio：Kusakabe Co., Ltd

Ticket price(tax included): 
●Purchase online（https://tix.kadcul.com/ or purchase at the window on the day of your visit
General admission (university students and above): ¥2,500 / Junior and senior high students: ¥2,000 / Elementary school students: ¥1,300 / Preschool children: Free of charge　

＊Closings and hours may be subject to change. For the latest information and details,see our museum calendar.
＊The content of the exhibition may be subject to change or cancellation. We thank you for your understanding.