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Born and raised in Tsuruhashi, Osaka, Yasumasa Morimura
is a true Naniwa native and is one of the artists that
represent today’s creative world in Japan.
Although his unique art style does not fit any conventional
genres, such as paintings or carvings, the global acceptance
of his distinctive artwork simply explains how intriguing
and profound the world of art is.
Morimura’s name first came to be known
in 1985 when he produced a piece of work that featured
himself in a famous self-portrait painting of Van Gogh.
Based on his extensive research, Morimura reproduced
clothing, background, expression, and other elements
found in the original, disguised himself as the painter,
and took a photograph of his creation to present it
as a new artistic version of his original. Some of
you may think such an art style is nothing but copying,
and it is an undeniable fact that his work is an imitation
of the masterpieces. However, Morimura always finds
some gaps that exist between the original and his seemingly
perfect imitation. While he continues his study of
masterpieces as an artist, he also occasionally comes
across a new discovery, which experts have not even
noticed before. By filling those gaps with his own
thoughts, modern values, and newly-discovered perspectives,
Morimura successfully yields a unique and independent
artistic expression that holds a new brilliance. Morimura
has pursued his creations based on a number of historic
masterworks, has participated in many notable exhibitions
both in and outside Japan, and has gained recognition
as one of Japan’s most successful artists. His creative
activities extend over a wide range of areas, which
include a self-portrait series of film actresses, a
collaboration work of art and fashion with designer
Issey Miyake, acting for movies and theaters, and writing
books, just to name a few. |
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“Portrait,Gogh”
1985,
Color photograph, the National Museum of
Art, Osaka
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“The Third Mona
Lisa” 1998, Color photograph print on canvas,
artist’s personal collection |
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“An Inner Dialogue With Frida
Kahlo” 2001, Color photograph, artist’s personal
collection |
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“Expression Study III” 1994,
Black and white photograph, Hara Museum |
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“Vermeer Study (positions of
the three)” 2005, Color photograph, the National
Museum of Art, Osaka |
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“Seasons of Passion / A Requiem:
Mishima” 2006, Video installation |
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※All of the above works are presented at his exhibition,
“Bi-Class, Be Quiet” at Yokohama Museum of Art
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His latest
work, “Seasons of Passion / A Requiem: Mishima,” is
a new attempt by Morimura to lead himself into a new
area of creation. This visual installation has been
presented at his solo exhibition in Venice (as a related
project of La Biennale di Venezia) and at another exhibition
at Yokohama Museum of Art. In the video, he disguises
himself as Yukio Mishima, Lenin, and Hitler (as a dual
image with Charlie Chaplin from “The Great Dictator”)
and delivers his own message in the recreated historic
scenes originally made by these figures. For example,
in the reproduction of Mishima’s famous speech made
prior to his suicide at JGSDF (Japan Ground Self Defense
Force) Camp Ichigaya, Morimura makes some sharp assertions
regarding today’s situation of art and artists of the
younger generation. While summarizing his view on the
20th century, Morimura also makes a large-scale endeavor
to establish certain guidelines regarding the confused
future direction of the 21st century. Although this
propaganda-style type of work, which contains much
stronger messages than usual, may fire up some disputes,
it should be highly appraised that Morimura is courageously
making a step further forward while risking his established
career as an artist. Our expectations continue to increase
as we anxiously wait for the next presentation of his
future visions.
Lastly, on just a personal note, while we all know
that Morimura adores his hometown Osaka, it is a shame
that he has not held an exhibition locally for quite
a long time. I sincerely ask art museums in Osaka and
those who are concerned to consider bringing him back
again soon to our community. |
September 11, 2007
Text by Takafumi Kobuki, a freelance art writer |
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Yasumasa Morimura: “Bi-Class, Be Quiet”
Now - Sep. 17 (Mon./public holiday) 10:00 - 18:00 (open until 20:00 on Friday)
Closed on Thursday
Admission until 30 minutes before closing
General public: 1,100 yen, College and High school students: 700 yen, Jr. high
school students: 400 yen, Free for Elementary school students and under
Yokohama Museum of Art
3-4-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Tokyo
TEL: 045-221-0300
URL: http://www.yaf.or.jp/yma/ (Japanese only) |
Author Profile
Takafumi Kobuki
Worked as an editor for an information magazine and became a freelancer in 2005.
Writes art-related articles for Kyoto Shimbun, Bijutsu Techo, Pia Kansai, ELLE,
artscape (online) and more.
Personal website: “Katte-ni RECOMMEND”
URL: http://www.recommend.ecnet.jp/
Personal blog: “Takafumi Kobuki: Art-no Kobujime”
URL: http://www.keyis.jp/
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