Ginza Tsutaya Books Presents 'Painter Le Corbusier: The Artistic World Crafted by an Architectural Master' – Exhibition Opening July 25 (Sat), Tracing the Evolution from Purism through Drawings and Lithographs

Le Corbusier / Three works featured are all from the print series 'Le Poème de l'angle droit' (The Poem of the Right Angle), 1955

Special Page | https://store.tsite.jp/ginza/event/art/55635-1028150713.html

Ginza Tsutaya Books (6F, GINZA SIX, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) will host the exhibition 'Painter Le Corbusier: The Artistic World Crafted by an Architectural Master' from July 25 (Sat), 2026 to August 27 (Thu), 2026 at its in-store Art Wall.

Overview

Le Corbusier, the 20th-century architectural master behind iconic structures such as Villa Savoye and the Chapel of Notre-Dame du Haut in Ronchamp—both designated UNESCO World Heritage sites—has long been celebrated for his architectural genius. However, it is less widely known that he was also a dedicated painter who spent every morning in his studio, drawing throughout his life. This exhibition sheds light on this lesser-known aspect of his creative identity, presenting a rare collection of prints and drawings that trace the evolution of his artistic journey. It explores the transformation of two key works and the birth of his masterpiece series 'Le Poème de l'angle droit'.

Exhibition Highlights: Two Original Works from Different Periods – 'Purist Still Life' and 'Hand'

'Purism' was an art movement pioneered in post-World War I France by Le Corbusier and Amédée Ozenfant. Building on Cubist forms, Purism sought clearer, more ordered compositions, depicting everyday motifs with simplified shapes and restrained colors.

'Purist Still Life' (1927) is an early still-life composed of straight lines. Its functional, minimalist design embodies the same philosophy that would later define the pinnacle of modern architecture—Villa Savoye. 'Hand' (1951), created during his mature late period, features vibrant, free-flowing curves that directly influenced the sculptural forms of works he was developing at the time, such as the Ronchamp Chapel and the 'Open Hand Monument'. By comparing these two works, visitors can experience how the evolution of his 'painting' parallels the history of his 'masterpiece architecture'.

'Purist Still Life' (1927) and 'Hand' (1951)

'Le Poème de l'angle droit' (The Poem of the Right Angle), published in 1955

At the heart of this exhibition is the 1955 lithograph series 'Le Poème de l'angle droit', released in the same year as the completion of the Ronchamp Chapel. This series consists of 19 lithographs arranged according to Le Corbusier’s own compositional system (iconostasis), expressing his unique cosmology—encompassing the movement of the sun, love, and the 'Open Hand'. Here, the master’s ultimate vision of 'harmony between humanity and nature' comes vividly to life.

Artwork Sales

Exhibited artworks will be available for purchase at the venue starting July 25 (Sat) at 10:30 AM.

Sales may end before the exhibition period concludes, depending on presale performance.

For details on sales via the art e-commerce platform 'OIL', please visit:

https://oil.bijutsutecho.com/

Artist Profile

Le Corbusier (1887–1965)

A Swiss-born architect, designer, and painter who stands as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Born Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, he adopted 'Le Corbusier' as his professional pseudonym. While he achieved global acclaim as an architect, he was also a lifelong painter, drawing every day. In 2016, 17 of his architectural works across seven countries—including the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo—were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage under 'The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier'. In the 1920s, he co-founded the Purist (Purism) movement and became a pioneer of modern architecture with minimalist masterpieces like Villa Savoye. After World War II, he developed the modular measurement system 'Modulor' and created iconic works such as the Unité d'Habitation and the Ronchamp Chapel.

Exhibition Details

'Painter Le Corbusier: The Artistic World Crafted by an Architectural Master'

Dates | July 25 (Sat), 2026 – August 27 (Thu), 2026

Hours | 10:30 – 21:00 (Closed at 18:00 on final day)

Venue | Art Wall, Ginza Tsutaya Books

Organizer | Ginza Tsutaya Books

Cooperation | Yoshimura Fine Art Co., Ltd.

Admission | Free

Inquiries | [email protected]

Special Page | https://store.tsite.jp/ginza/event/art/55635-1028150713.html

Ginza Tsutaya Books

Connecting art, Japanese culture, and daily life through books, we propose a lifestyle enriched by art.

Address | 6F, GINZA SIX, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061

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CCC Art Lab

CCC Art Lab is a creative team within Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd. dedicated to promoting 'a life with art'. Through initiatives such as store curation, art media, product development, and event production, we aim to make art more accessible, enrich people’s lives, and contribute to a better society. Drawing on years of practical experience, we offer unique planning and proposals only we can deliver.

https://www.ccc-artlab.jp/