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image with Charlie Chaplin from “The Great Dictator”) and delivers his own message in the recreated historic scenes originally made by these figures.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.
