ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Simon Fujiwara's 'A Whole New World' at Mudam: Theme Park of Identity

exhibition · 2026-08-11

During a conversation at Mudam Luxembourg, Simon Fujiwara elaborates on his career retrospective titled 'A Whole New World', which reimagines the museum as an amusement park. He observes that the layout of the museum mirrors the map of Disneyland, symbolizing modern existence as a theme park influenced by the entertainment industry. His works, such as 'Syphilis: A Conquest' (2020–23) and 'Hope House' (2017–20), delve into themes of fame and social issues, juxtaposing the hypervisibility of Anne Frank with the obscurity of syphilis. Fujiwara credits his perspective to his upbringing as a gay man in St. Ives, Cornwall. He also reflects on 'Joanne' (2016/18), which addresses his art teacher's departure following the circulation of nude photographs. The exhibition will be displayed at Mudam Luxembourg in 2026, featuring pieces from TARO NASU, Dvir Gallery, and Esther Schipper.

Key facts

  • Simon Fujiwara's career survey 'A Whole New World' is on view at Mudam Luxembourg—Musée d'Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean in 2026.
  • The exhibition is designed as an amusement park, inspired by the museum's floor plan resembling Disneyland's map.
  • Fujiwara's installations include 'Syphilis: A Conquest' (2020–23) and 'Hope House' (2017–20), which deal with spectacle and hidden societal issues.
  • Fujiwara contrasts Anne Frank's hypervisibility with syphilis's invisibility in society.
  • Fujiwara grew up in St. Ives, Cornwall, and felt like an outsider due to his sexuality and mixed heritage.
  • His work 'Joanne' (2016/18) is about his secondary school art teacher, who was forced to leave after nude photos circulated on the school intranet.
  • Fujiwara wrote a thesis on Caravaggio for his architecture degree, linking his neutralized backdrops to contemporary screen culture.
  • The survey is a reflective moment for Fujiwara, who is now considering his next steps.

Entities

Artists

  • Simon Fujiwara
  • Cindy Sherman
  • Caravaggio
  • Anne Frank

Institutions

  • Mudam Luxembourg—Musée d'Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean
  • TARO NASU
  • Dvir Gallery
  • Esther Schipper

Locations

  • Luxembourg
  • St. Ives
  • Cornwall
  • United Kingdom

Sources