Takashi Murakami’s debut film Jellyfish Eyes is set to premiere in the United States next week, bringing some of the artist’s signature characters to the silver screen. The film, which centers around a series of magical creatures that only children can see, will show in select cities May 1st through the 5th. (more…)
Laurie Simmons, How We See/Look 1/Julia (2014)
Currently on at Salon 94 Bowery is an exhibition of new photos by Laurie Simmons, based on her research on a subgenre of Japanese cosplay called “Kigurumi,” in which characters called “Dollers” or “Kiggers” change their identities, often flipping genders or becoming cartoon characters, by wearing onesie spandex suits and cartoonish masks.
Yoshitomo Nara, Missed Autumn Rendez-Vous (2013), via PACE Gallery
The images of Japanese kawaii have become, at this stage of the contemporary arts dialogue, something of a trope, an analytical signifier earmarking a work for commentary on Japan’s encounters with global pop culture. Creeping into press releases, catalogues and countless reviews as a convenient sounding point for Japan’s obsession with the bizarre and the cartoonish, the use of the word often leaves something to be desired, doing little to quantify the aspects or implications it actually carries.
Yoshitomo Nara, (Installation View), via PACE Gallery (more…)
Mr. – Give Me Your Wings – Think Different (2012), Courtesy Lehmann Maupin
Japanese artist Mr. has a remarkable ability for blurring the lines of contemporary culture. Using the forms and imagery of the potent manga, otaku and kawaii subcultures of his homeland, the artist turns the lens towards the Japanese identity, highlighting what these icons say about the national culture. On now, Lehmann Maupin gallery in New York City is presenting a large-scale installation by the artist that incorporates these works into a broad statement on the the emotionally frustrated climate of Japan after a year of economic stagnation and natural disaster. (more…)
