Bonjour, Sempé: The World in Lines at MyArt Museum One Grove

Introducing the exhibition Bonjour, Jean-Jacques Sempé. Celebrating the warmth and gentle humor of French artist Jean-Jacques Sempé, original drawings illustrating everyday life have arrived in Magok, Seoul. This presentation, officially titled Bonjour, Sempé: The World in Lines (봉주르, 장자크 상페: 세상을 그린 시선), re-examines the expansive artistic universe of a creator widely cherished as the illustrator of the classic children’s book series Le Petit Nicolas (꼬마 니콜라).

Commemorating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, the exhibition marks Sempé’s first solo show in Korea in approximately ten years—welcome news for longtime admirers of his work. Amid today’s fast-paced visual culture dominated by intense stimuli, Sempé’s generous use of white space offers quiet comfort and gentle reflection.

Bonjour, Jean-Jacques Sempé Visitor Information

The exhibition runs for approximately four months at the newly opened MyArt Museum One Grove Branch in Magok, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Operating daily without scheduled closing days, the venue offers flexible access throughout the week.

• Exhibition Period: September 10, 2026 – January 3, 2027 (Open daily, no scheduled closures)
• Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Last admission 7:00 PM)
• Venue: MyArt Museum One Grove Branch (2F, Room W213, Building C, One Grove, 165 Gonghang-daero, Gangseo-gu, Seoul)
• Admission: Adults 20,000 KRW; Youth 16,000 KRW; Children, Seniors, and Special Discounts 12,000 KRW

A Warm Observer of Humanity Beyond Illustration

Jean-Jacques Sempé sensitively captured human existence through the delicate contrast of tiny figures set against expansive, open vistas. This extensive retrospective showcases approximately 130 archival items tracing his creative legacy, including rare original drawings, authentic posters, lithographs, published volumes, and comprehensive archival documents filling the galleries.

The galleries display more than just framed pictures. Visitors can also examine the actual drawing implements the artist used and developmental sketches that reveal his creative methods. This curatorial approach highlights Sempé not simply as a commercial illustrator, but as an affectionate draftsman who observed ordinary companions and fleeting moments with profound empathy.

Subtle Stories Discovered Within Open Margins

Sempé’s drawings are not intended to be deciphered at a glance and quickly bypassed. Here are three key perspectives to guide your appreciation in the exhibition halls:

• Harmony of Diminutive Figures and Expansive Space: Look closely at the tiny characters inhabiting expansive paper margins. That distinctive scale creates Sempé’s signature humor and conveys an affectionate, observant understanding of everyday life.
• Tracing How Lines Become Worlds: Compare the finished compositions alongside Sempé’s working tools and preliminary sketches. Visitors can follow how a single hand-drawn line on empty paper multiplies and grows into an entirely realization of human existence.
• Drawings Meant to Be Read Slowly: In contrast to modern media designed for instant consumption, these works invite viewers to pause and take their time. Lingering before each piece allows hidden vignettes and quiet subtleties to reveal themselves gradually.

For more exhibition coverage published on this site, explore our guides to Still, Now, and Always and Koo Jeong A: OUSSSMOS.

Sources and Practical Tips Before Visiting

The exhibition continues through early January 2027. If you prefer a quieter gallery experience, weekday mornings and early afternoons are ideal times to visit. All details presented here reflect official venue announcements. Before traveling, please confirm current schedules and ticketing details via the official page below:

• MyArt Museum One Grove Branch Official Exhibition Guide

Please reconfirm exhibition schedules and ticketing details on the official website before visiting Bonjour, Jean-Jacques Sempé.