SUPERFLAT [terrible name--"flat" leaves the show wide open for criticism] surveys a tendency in Japanese art, animation, fashion, and graphic design towards two-dimensionality through work by 19 artists. ['two-dimensionality' seems like kind of a lightweight, formal hook for show. Isn't about fifty percent of art 2-D?] A central influence on the concept of Superflat is the Japanese cartoon culture of manga where enthusiasts are lured into a magical world that is divorced from reality. [Actually manga, the predecessors of US "Graphic Novels," are notable for their gritty realism and depth-of-field rendering, even when dealing with out-of-this-world subject matter.] The insistent two-dimensionality of manga often results in an overall patterning of colors and shapes which provides a parallel space in which to escape from the pressures and expectations of society at large. [huh?] Organized by artist Takashi Murakami, [a relentless self-promoter and darling of Western curators who's managed to identify himself in the the US with all things Japanese] with MOCA.
--boldface comments by some cynic
Japan in the news again today (I think I'll burry this one over here) :
JAPAN : APPEAL TO 'RICH JEWS' A canidate for prime minister said Japan should try to attract 'rich Jews to help solve the country's problems of repeated economic recession and dwindling population." Economy Minister Taro Aso, a contender in Tuesday's vote by the Liberal Democrats, added, "This might be arbitrary and biased, but I think the best country is one in which rich Jews feel like living." Mr. Aso asserted that his remarks were not offensive, saying: "Japanese cannot distinguish between Jews, Italians or Spanish. But by the same token, foreigners cannot tell the difference between Japanese, Vietnamese, Chionese and South Koreans."
Howard W. French (NYT)
Agreed. While the world of Manga is deep and complex the art world's interest (and Murikomi's appropriation) of the subject is shallow and...... well..... Flat.
it's MURAKAMI - learn to spell
Well, Murakami has one fan, at least.
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--boldface comments by some cynic
- Tom Moody 4-20-2001 7:49 pm
Japan in the news again today (I think I'll burry this one over here) :
JAPAN : APPEAL TO 'RICH JEWS' A canidate for prime minister said Japan should try to attract 'rich Jews to help solve the country's problems of repeated economic recession and dwindling population." Economy Minister Taro Aso, a contender in Tuesday's vote by the Liberal Democrats, added, "This might be arbitrary and biased, but I think the best country is one in which rich Jews feel like living." Mr. Aso asserted that his remarks were not offensive, saying: "Japanese cannot distinguish between Jews, Italians or Spanish. But by the same token, foreigners cannot tell the difference between Japanese, Vietnamese, Chionese and South Koreans."
Howard W. French (NYT)
- bill 4-20-2001 11:26 pm [add a comment]
Agreed. While the world of Manga is deep and complex the art world's interest (and Murikomi's appropriation) of the subject is shallow and...... well..... Flat.
- steve 4-24-2001 3:56 am [add a comment]
it's MURAKAMI - learn to spell
- anonymous (guest) 3-09-2004 1:35 am [add a comment] [edit]
Well, Murakami has one fan, at least.
- tom moody 3-09-2004 2:09 am [add a comment]