The Japan House London has opened its doors to a new exhibition celebrating Japanese Graphic Art.
Titled “WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts” the exhibition will be running from 6 July to 22 October 2023.
It will give guests the ultimate Japanese art experience by presenting the best of 2D Art.
Japan House London is not your typical house. It’s a vibrant cultural hub that aims to bring the best of Japan to the heart of London.
The concept behind Japan House is simple: to showcase the richness and diversity of Japanese Art, culture, design, and cuisine all under one roof.
Whether you’re a Japan aficionado or just curious about the Land of the Rising Sun, this exhibition has something to offer for everyone in attendance.
Simon Wright, Director of Programming at Japan House London, said: “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.”
The Exhibition has been organised by Takahashi Kintar and Hiro Sugiyama. They also played a pivotal role in the annual Tokyo exhibition WAVE in 2018.
WAVE is a collection of voices representing a multitude of musical styles and different artistic backgrounds. The art displayed will range from people all different ages from 20 – 80 years old.
The Exhibition will feature the work of more than sixty contemporary Japanese artists from across the globe, including emerging artists. Five out of 60 will be debuting their work for the first time.
Co-curator Hiro Sugiyama said: “‘The most significant movement in the world of Japanese illustration from the 1970s to the 1980s was that of heta-uma. The concept has influenced many creators. It has also had a tremendous impact on Japanese graphic Art today.”
If you’re a traditional arts and 2D graphics fan, this Exhibition will transport you to a world of exquisite beauty. From delicate ceramics to intricate textiles, this exhibition at Japan House celebrate the time-honoured art forms that have shaped Japanese culture.
So, whether you’re a Japanophile or just looking for a unique cultural adventure, this Exhibition is the place to be.
Featured image credit: Japan House London; photographer Jeremie Souteyrat.
