Asahi Beer Omayazaki Villa Museum of Art

For Parisian painter Robert Coutelas, the creation of art was an inherently spiritual experience. “I work a lot,” he once remarked, “because working brings me closer to the mystery.” He felt a revulsion for the trends espoused by the European art community in the 20th century. Rather than attempting to appeal to the tastes of galleries, he elected to paint in poverty, creating entertaining works built over a subtext of sadness. Coutelas, an embodiment of the classic French spirit, is best known for cartes and gouache paintings depicting his characteristic motifs such as Bible stories and imaginary creatures with a fusion of human and animal characteristics. This exhibition includes various pieces from this forgotten artist, including early oil paintings from Coutelas’ days in Lyon, some which are on display for the very first time.

Robert Coutelas Exhibition • Until Mar 12 • Open: 10am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥900 • Access: JR Kyoto line, Yamazaki Stn and Hankyu Kyoto Line, Oyamazaki Stn, approx. 10-min walk • Tel: 075-957-3123 (Japanese guidance only) • asahibeer-oyamazaki.com/english