Enchanting Paris – Roland Garros Art Exhibition: Kwai Lun-mei Turns Superfan

Credit: MOOK Scenic Spots Travel & Lifestyle Network Editorial Team

A joint exhibition curated by the United Daily News Group and Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun, “Enchanting Paris – Roland Garros Art Exhibition,” debuted in Taiwan on July 5. Acclaimed actress Kwai Lun-mei, who had previously seen Roland Garros’ exhibition in France, appeared at the press conference as a devoted fan, sharing her admiration for the artist’s work.

The exhibition features 100 works from Tokyo’s Musée Marie Laurencin, showcasing precious creations from various periods of French artist Marie Laurencin. The exhibits include oil paintings, prints, and works on paper. The exhibition runs from July 5 to October 12 at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall’s Chiang Kai-shek Gallery.
Marie Laurencin (1883–1956) was one of the few outstanding and renowned female artists in the Parisian art scene during the early 20th century. Known for her mastery of feminine elegance, she created numerous works centered around female portraits, including that of the famous fashion designer Coco Chanel. She stood shoulder-to-shoulder with art masters such as Picasso and Braque and was romantically involved with the celebrated French poet Guillaume Apollinaire, earning the title “the most beautiful doe of the Paris School.”

This exhibition retraces her creative journey through four themed sections: “The Belle Époque,” “The Exile Period,” “The Roaring Twenties,” and “Her Brilliant Later Years,” vividly illustrating the evolution of Laurencin’s artistic style and the dreamy, enchanting female world within her works. Last year, the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris held a Laurencin special exhibition that attracted 200,000 visitors.

A passionate painter, Laurencin created many female portrait works, including that of fashion designer Coco Chanel. Over her nearly half-century career, she produced over 2,000 oil paintings, more than 300 prints, numerous watercolors, and a wealth of book illustrations. She also designed stage costumes and sets for several ballets. The Musée Marmottan Monet’s special exhibition last year drew 200,000 visitors and received widespread acclaim. The United Daily News Group has specially brought this exhibition to Taiwan for local audiences. Starting July 5, visitors can head to the Chiang Kai-shek Gallery at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall to witness the legendary female artist who carved out her own unique path between Fauvism and Cubism.

The main sponsor of “Enchanting Paris – Roland Garros Art Exhibition,” CTBC Bank, has long been committed to promoting art and culture. From the earlier “The Stunning Beauty of Millet’s Pastoral Paintings” to last year’s “Impression: The Classic Monet Exhibition,” the bank has enabled the public to enjoy world-class exhibitions without leaving Taiwan, living up to its philosophy that “where there is world-class performance, there are CTBC customers’ applause,” contributing to Taiwan’s art scene.