California’s Bowers Museum has announced the opening of a ground-breaking exhibition, Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form, curated by Paul Gravett, on behalf of London’s Barbican Centre.
Running from 9th March through to 8th September 2024, this immersive exhibition offers a premier collection of original Asian comics artwork and is the most comprehensive of its kind to date.
The exhibition provides a vibrant exploration of the art of comics and visual storytelling across the vast continent of Asia. Visitors will embark on a chronological journey from the historical beginnings of this unique art form to the most recent digital advances.
While the ubiquitous Japanese manga takes centre stage, the exhibition extends its scope beyond, showcasing key creators, iconic characters, and major publications from across the continent.
From the whimsical tales of folklore, powerful accounts of history and intimate memoirs to raw expressions of freedom, the exhibition offers a spectrum of narratives. This is complemented by the works of renowned creators like Osamu Tezuka, Miyako Maki, Hur Young Man, and Lat. Moreover, the exhibition amplifies the voices of genre innovators and lesser-known artists like Abhishek Singh and Miki Yamamoto.
Visitors will also gain insights into how these comics have permeated other forms of media and pop culture, including cinema, animation, fashion, music, and video games.
Dr. Seán O’Harrow, Director of the Bowers Museum, states, “This exhibition not only celebrates the artistry of comics but also emphasises their role in preserving culture, history, and personal stories. We are thrilled to provide our visitors a window into this captivating world and another entry point for exploring world cultures.”
Formerly titled Mangasia: Wonderlands of Asian Comics, this exhibition has already toured in France and Italy, but makes its North American debut at Bowers Museum. This monumental exhibition has been meticulously curated by Paul Gravett, in close collaboration with a diverse team of over twenty international advisors. With more than 500 featured works, including delicate Japanese woodblock prints, intricate Hindu scroll paintings, digital media wonders, mass-produced comics, and contemporary illustrations, Asian Comics stands as the most extensive collection of artworks from the continent ever.
The Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form exhibition is curated and organised by London’s Barbican Centre.
“I’m very excited to bring the Asian Comics exhibition to the Bowers Museum,” says comics publisher, archivist and Barbican Guest Curator Paul Gravett. “The diverse communities of Southern California are the ideal audience for this multitudinous exhibition. The vibrant comics of Asia can bridge cultures and invite us to discover the realities and dreams of their creators and readers.”
Located in Santa Ana, California, Bowers Museum has been enriching lives through the world’s finest arts and culture for over 80 years. The museum is committed to promoting education and understanding by bringing the world’s great cultural art to the people of Orange County and beyond.
Partnering with world-class institutions, Bowers Museum’s featured exhibitions include blockbusters such as Terracotta Warriors; Mummies: Death and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt…Treasures from the British Museum; Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasure of Ethiopia; Holy Land: Dead Sea Scrolls, House of David Inscription; and Guo Pei: Art of Couture.
• More information and details of related events here on The Bowers Museum website
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Exhibitions, Other Worlds
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