Pop Art Modernism and Japan (Essay Sample)

Pop art modernism and Japan
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POP ART MODERNISM AND JAPAN
Pop art modernism can be defined as an artistic era and style that is characterized by themes and techniques created from certain observed culture in the 21st century such as in media and books (Harrison, 2001). It is based upon reactions drawn from expressionism and expansion. It is widely based on popular views of the masses. Pop art is one the widely used art concepts in Japan. In japan, pop art can be traced back to the late 1960’s. It is among the latest art movements in japan and the entire world (Havens, 2006). Pop art in Japan has a unique feature characterized by techniques that draw inspiration from the rich Japanese culture and history. With the increase in technological advancement in Japan, pop art gained popularity towards the end of the 20th century. Consequently, pop art modernism is driven by increase in technological advancement in Japan.
In Japan, pop art has undergone many revolutions. Gay (2007) suggests that Japan’s pop art modernism integrates the advancement of technology. Among the common pop art related technologies are the media technologies such development of digital TV, computers and recently the innovation of “smart” media technologies. However, the emphasis of pop art modernism in japan is on the effect of pop art in the Japanese culture. Additionally, recent pop art technologies have been influenced by the advances in film technology. Modern Film technologies have influenced art by creating new forms of expressions. Computerized paintings are a common feature in pop art modernism in japan. Most of the art works are now painted in using computer application. These paintings are widely used for advertisements.
Modernism in Japans pop art is unique from the rest of the world due to the subjects and styles employed in the art (Shanes 2009). Japan pop art is inspired by traditional culture. It incorporates Collage that forms a significant part in Japan’s pop art. Shanes (2009) argues that among the traditional art cultures, that draw inspiration is the Ukiyo-e art. Through ukiyo-e, there is much flat imagery that has been painted. Many artists have employed modern techniques in creating art works that have traditional features. Through this inspiration, japan has created a superflat art movement. This art movement is mainly used by Japanese youth commonly seen in the streets of Tokyo and Osaka. Themes in these artworks have deep cultural impact. The characters used in most of the paintings are fictional but influenced by culture. However, over the recent past there has been increased use of major celebrities in japan. Most of the celebrities are from movies, music and politics. Graffiti are also widely used in japan. Most of the graffiti use bright colors. Graffiti are largely used for advertisement and fan magazines in Japan.
Most of the Japanese pop artist use shocking images in their pieces of work. This is a traditional concept of the Japanese history and culture which can be traced to the hentai art movement in japan. Through hentai inspired art works, Japanese pop art modernism provokes the viewer’s mind and raises many questions in the minds of the viewers. These shocking images are also meant to capture both the eye and the mind of the viewer and sometimes even their heart. This stylistic feature is effective to both the old and the young viewers interested in the art works.
Pop art modernism in japan employs much neo –impressionism characteristics. Most of the paintings have different primary colors applied to the canvas. In this case, it is the role of the viewer on to do the mixing. This style is different from the traditional style of mixing colors on the palette and then applying to the canvas.
Another element that characterizes pop art modernism in japan is the vulnerability of the innocence of young people in the art works (Maloney, 2003). It is common to find most art works in japan using children and the youth. Most of the subjects in the paintings in japan are children and youths. Maloney (2003) argues that the use of children and youth is meant to draw emotions from the viewers. For instance, a lot of the artists have used children to create images that show rejection or rebellion. Others have used children to depict anger and happiness. However, the use of children and youth in modernism in pop art in japan has sometimes been criticized due to the use of nude images such as those of children.
Among the major architects of pop art modernism in Japan is Takashi Murakami. Takashi is among the renowned pop artists in the world (Shanes, 2009). His style includes the use of polymer products such as plastics in his paintings. Takashi also works in sculptures. Most of the Takashi paintings use bright and shiny colors, a phenomenal characteristic in pop art modernism in Japan. He employs highly refined classical techniques that incorporate pop art and traditional Japanese Otaku culture. He uses a flattened representational picture plane which moves within an expanded field of aesthetics and culture. The artist uses modern cartoon characters in most of his paintings and sculptures. Through the use of cartoon characters, the artist integrates both the traditional and modern understanding of the western culture in the art works. Takashi uses the Japanese traditions and culture as a vital tool that brings out revolution in modern day art. Takashi has successfully questioned the differences between the tradition and modernism, the Japanese culture and the western culture, popular culture and high art culture. Furthermore, the artist has also created new revolutions in art by making collaboration with clothing giant, Luis Vuitton. Through the collaboration with Luis Vuitton, the artist has brought another feature of pop art modernism in japan, that of art and commerce. Some of his popular works like the three part superflat exhibition has received viewership in western countries museums. Through these exhibitions, the artist has been able to bring the western culture close to the Japanese culture. The exhibitions are also used to mend political ties between japan and America especially after the American bombings of Japan’s cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. One of the artworks, “Little boy” is inspired by the ...