As a young artist, the Flemish-Belgian painter and printmaker James Ensor (1860-1949) developed a strong interest in the effects of light, which he illustrated in many of his early works.
He was also a fan of the comic grotesque and often depicted fictitious monsters, local carnival festivals and even some bizarre Asian symbols derived from souvenirs that his parents sold in their curiosity shop.
Though sometimes macabre, Ensor's works portrayed a strong sense of humor and sarcasm, and they are often viewed as a forerunner of the Expressionist and Surrealist movements, which became popular later.
This exhibition showcases about 50 of Ensor's masterpieces, including the famed "The Intrigue"; Sept. 8-Nov. 11.
Sompo Japan Museum of Art; (03) 5777-8600; 1-26-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Shinjuku Station, JR lines. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥1,000. Closed Mon. www.sompo-japan.co.jp/museum/exevit/index.html.
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