WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts at Japan House London review
WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts celebrates the enduring influence of Japanese graphic art through the lens of established and emerging voices.
Image: WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts. Japan House. Photo by Jeremie Souteyrat. Image courtesy of Japan House.
The summer exhibition at Japan House, titled WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts, has ingeniously transformed its exhibition space into a vibrant celebration of Japanese graphic arts. Drawing inspiration from Tokyo's annual WAVE exhibition, the showcase offers a novel outlook on the continually evolving landscape of Japanese graphic arts. The London iteration provides a unique opportunity for audiences to delve into the intricacies of Japanese culture through the lens of both established and emerging artists.
Image: GONZO'S Underground Mix Vol.7 by Yumura Teruhiko.
At the heart of the exhibition lies the pivotal concept of Heta-Uma, which translates to 'bad but good' in Japanese. Emerged in the late 1970s, this aesthetic movement courageously challenged established ideas of beauty and artistic value, deliberately disrupting the traditional refinement associated with classic illustration.
Heta-Uma art may seem unpolished at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a delightful proficiency and charm, evident in works by illustrator Yumura Teruhiko, who was at the forefront of the 1970s movement. While this theme is perplexing without context, its clarity unfolds throughout the exhibition, prompting a profound reevaluation.
Image: Untitled (Mr. George) by Yumura Teruhiko.Image courtesy of Japan House.
Image: Shonen Oja by Tanaami Keiichi. WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts. Image courtesy of Japan House.
Curated by Hiro Sugiyama and Takahashi Kintarō, this exhibition seamlessly brings together the works of 60 contemporary Japanese graphic artists from different generations. Notable figures like Tanaami Keiichi, recognised for his dreamlike and vibrant imagery, and Yumura Teruhiko, whose bold and humorous creations have become synonymous with the indie manga magazine GARO, are thoughtfully presented alongside emerging talents such as Mayu Yukishita and Tomozawa Kotao, who bring fresh perspectives to the collection.
Image: Horserace on the Shelf by Mayu Kakuda. Image courtesy of Japan House.
The exhibition also features the works of actor-turned-artist Asano Tadanobu, alongside pieces by renowned illustrators tupera tupera, a husband-and-wife team with a celebrated two-decade legacy in Japan and across the rest of the world. Collectively, these artists stand as a testament to the enduring impact of graphic art on Japanese culture.
Image: Untitled. Asano Tadanobu© 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
In perfect alignment with Japan House London's mission of presenting the richness of Japanese culture to UK audiences, this exhibition seamlessly achieves their purpose. With its focus on heta-uma, a varied roster of artists, and the inclusion of emerging talents, the exhibition thrusts Japanese graphic arts into the spotlight, inviting London's audiences to explore the creative currents that have played a pivotal role in shaping Japanese culture.
WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts is on at Japan House until 22 October 2023.
Location: 101-111 Kensington High St, London W8 5SA. Price: Free. Book now.
Words by Maawura Totoe
