Modern Japan (Non-Western) Exhibit

     I would like to take a look at some pieces from Polynesian and Oceanian artists given the chance, but for a 3-5 piece assignment, Japan is the one I know best. We'll be looking at modern Japanese art (not the Stanley Hudson kind) with a focus on anime and manga art. Anime is shifting more and more into the public eye, and is being scrutinized -or ignored- by all tracks of life.

                                                  (Neon Genesis Evangelion Vol. 8 Cover Art by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, 2002, Tokyo, Japan)

    Yoshiyuki Sadamoto is credited with the original character designs of the massively popular anime original Neon Genesis Evangelion. Sadamoto was not involved in the latest of the Evangelion rebuild movies, but was the author of the complimentary manga series, of which the above is a cover art. 

    While the Evangelion series explores a cast of flawed characters, horrifying bio-mechs, nihilism, and Christian symbolism, the art itself became iconic for two reasons. The first is the classic anime and manga style, including bold lines and an emphasis on form in a 2D medium. The second is in the often horrific and violent subject matter presented, which remains memorable for many who have seen the series or manga.

                                          (Add Color Painting (Refugee Boat) by Yoko Ono, 2018 (at time of photo), Tokyo, Japan)

    Add Color Painting (Refugee Boat) is part of a series of installation artworks by Yoko Ono in which the public is invited in to tag down their own thoughts, hopes, and doodles. This photo was taken in 2018, but the first of these installations was opened in 1961 as a blank white room with a boat. 

    The piece was intended to bring people together facing issues of immigration and promote anti-war sentiment. Yoko Ono is a widely recognized multimedia artist, performance artist, and anti-war activist. This picture shows the Tokyo installation of this piece in the Mori Art Museum, however there are other similar installations around the world.

                                                          (Laputa: Castle in the Sky poster by Hayao Miyazaki, 1986, Tokyo, Japan)

    Of course I couldn't make a modern Japanese exhibit without giving a shout-out to one of the legendary studios and directors of the era: Hayao Miyazaki. Laputa: Castle in the Sky is one of the studio Ghibli films that I've actually had the chance to watch. Several of my friends are much more hardcore fans than me, but I've picked up a lot. 

    Artistically, Ghibli films are known for their less overwhelming sets compared to many anime and more rounded character design. They give a much calmer vibe with their use of bright pastel shades and slower pacing. Miyazaki and studio Ghibli have both been giants of the anime industry since before the anime boom in the west even started, and they've more than earned their place.

                                                      (Takt op. Destiny Poster Art by Studio MAPPA & Studio Madhouse, 2021, Tokyo, Japan)

    Takt op. Destiny is my plug for one of my favorite anime stylistically to come out recently. Aside from some amazing movement sequences, the show also continually uses thematic color and dynamic lines to good effect. Even in the poster we can see the unique perspective applied throughout the show- the characters are shown in steep diagonal poses from a low point.

    As is the case with anime in the last several years compared with the 80s anime I've shown above, the show has a lot more going on in frame at a given time. This can occasionally distract, but it doesn't stop the art choices from being memorable and visually stunning. This continues to be one of my favorite anime in terms of style choice and buttery smooth animation.

References

"'Catastrophe and the Power of Art' Work #2: Yoko Ono Add Color Painting (Refugee Boat)." Mori Art Museum, https://www.mori.art.museum/en/news/2018/11/1708/, Published 5 November 2018, Accessed 25 April 2024.

Napier, Susan. "The Art of Anime." Yale University Press, https://yalebooks.yale.edu/2018/11/19/the-art-of-anime/ , Published 18 November 2018, Accessed 25 April 2024.