For artist Morio Matsui, life has almost turned full circle. After four decades in "exile" in France, this currently Corsica-based Japanese artist's ties with his homeland have strengthened with the opening earlier this year of an art space, Espace Morio Matsui, in Shimo-Meguro, Tokyo.
And now — besides the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, which he received in 2000, and the Legion d'Honneur awarded in 2003, both from the French government — Matsui can add another feather to his cap: A recent exhibition at Paris' Galerie Bernheim-Jeune in rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, which attracted some of the creme de la creme of the French art world.
This year holds special meaning for him: Exactly 40 years ago he went to France to study at Paris' Fine Arts College, after which he stayed in the French capital. Then, 10 years ago, he abruptly packed his brushes and easel and migrated south to the sun-blessed Mediterranean island of Corsica, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte.
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