Robert Doisneau, a national treasure of French photography, created numerous masterpieces set in Paris and remains one of the world's most beloved photographers. 'Photographer Doisneau / Music / Paris,' an exhibition featuring approximately 200 works imbued with Doisneau's unique musical sensibility, captured from the 1930s to the 1990s, will be held at Bunkamura The Museum in Shibuya from Friday, February 5, 2021, to Wednesday, March 31, 2021. The exhibition focuses on the diverse musical scenes, including chanson and jazz, that filled the streets of Paris.

Born in Gentilly, a suburb of Paris, in 1912, Robert Doisneau began his career as a photographer for the automobile manufacturer Renault before becoming a freelancer. He published numerous photographs, including fashion photography, in magazines such as 'Vogue' and 'Life.' He gained international recognition for his photographs capturing the daily lives of ordinary Parisians, and exhibitions of his work continue to be held worldwide.

The 'Photographer Doisneau / Music / Paris' exhibition at Bunkamura The Museum showcases approximately 200 works, rich in Doisneau's distinctive musical sensibility, captured from the 1930s to the 1990s. These works focus on the diverse musical scenes, including chanson and jazz, that flourished on the streets of Paris. The exhibition is a reconfigured version of a highly acclaimed show held at the Philharmonie de Paris's music museum in the 19th arrondissement from late 2018 to spring 2019, and features many pieces being shown in Japan for the first time.

Throughout his career, Doisneau encountered many musicians and was profoundly influenced by them. In a message for the exhibition, Toshiyuki Horie (writer, French literature scholar, and translator of Doisneau's 'Dans les pas de Robert Doisneau') writes, 'Doisneau's photographs are always filled with music. Not only the light movements captured in each portrait and landscape, but also the way they create a flow, like a single, cohesive photo story, regardless of the place, subject, or era.' He adds, 'This exhibition features many musicians, from chanson singers to opera performers. Even when not singing, they seem to be singing. One can only imagine what words Doisneau conducted with his baton before pressing the shutter.' (Excerpt)

Through this exhibition, visitors can glimpse the Parisian music scene and the charm of Paris during that era by viewing Doisneau's works, which are brimming with his unique musical sensibility. These include images of singers and musicians active in chanson and opera, street musicians performing in local neighborhoods and bistros, and people celebrating Bastille Day.