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WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts - Vibrancy and Variety in 2D
LONDON, May 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Discover the vibrancy and variety of Japanese graphic arts at WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts. Curated by artists Hiro Sugiyama and Takahashi Kintaro, the exhibition presents the work of 60 of Japan's most significant graphic artists today, introducing many of them to the UK for the first time. An anthology of styles and stories, bridging the worlds of fine art, commercial illustration and counterculture, WAVE offers UK audiences a rare opportunity to fully experience the diversity of expression within Japanese graphic arts. The exhibition at Japan House London is inspired by WAVE, an annual exhibition that started in 2018 in Tokyo. Also curated by Hiro Sugiyama and Takahashi Kintaro, the WAVE exhibition in Tokyo showcases 100 of Japan's leading illustrators, graphic and contemporary artists. Of the 60 artist featured in the Japan House London iteration, five emerging artists are being presented as part of the WAVE touring exhibition for the first time: Utsunomiya Nao, Kakuda Mayu, Kato Takaaki, Nakajima Yuta and Yano Keiji. Presenting an eclectic assembly of artists Art beyond category WAVE invites guests to delight in the chaos, colour and creativity of Japanese graphic arts and print culture. This exhibition is a rare opportunity for UK audiences to experience the variety of Japanese illustration and graphic arts, through the works of leading artists from diverse disciplines and generations. Simon Wright, Director of Programming at Japan House London, commented: 'This exhibition of new works explores the perhaps surprising variety and anarchy of the world of illustration and graphic art in Japan. Of particular interest is the underground concept of heta-uma –literally 'bad-good' – whose first proponents in the 1970s and 1980s challenged contemporary notions of what was 'ugly' or 'beautiful', the definition of art itself and the hierarchy of the art world.' Co-curator Takahashi Kintaro commented: 'The present and the future of the creative essence of Japanese media art, unbound by genre or generation - welcome to the WAVE exhibition.' Co-curator Hiro Sugiyama commented: 'The most significant movement in the world of Japanese illustration from the 1970s to the 1980s was that of heta-uma. What is 'heta-uma'? It was one concept proposed by one illustrator. The concept has influenced many creators. It has also had a tremendous impact on Japanese graphic art today. We hope that through the WAVE exhibition you will be able to enjoy a look at the true state of Japanese graphic arts.' Notes to Editors View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/wave-currents-in-japanese-graphic-arts--vibrancy-and-variety-in-2d-301833451.html |