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
- 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]






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