I long for the days
Of misspent Japanese youth
Parallel dreamland
Recently in Japanophile Category
"The Little Star Dweller" by Yoshitomo Nara
Japanese art wizard, Yoshitomo Nara, opened his new show at the Marianne Boesky Gallery this past Saturday night with a colorful cacophony that reverberated from the walls right into crowd (which included the wandering and seemingly undetected artist KAWS - thanks, CBS Sunday Morning). Viewing the artwork itself--a collection of new drawings on envelopes, large-scale paintings, and two massive tannenbaum sculptures that felt like they belonged in a more sophisticated Smurf village--meant that you had to tap and rub numerous shoulders for a glimpse. With vanishing buckets of beer, a trio of toddlers in tutus, and live music provided by DJ OORUTAICHI and the hyperkinetic Japanese girl duo M.A.G.O., the energy in the various rooms exploded with a kooky rainbow fantastic-ness. Here's hoping it's even more magically raucous at his solo exhibition at the Asia Society in 2010.
I've been a fan of Nara's since discovering his artwork on the cover of Shonen Knife's 1998 album Happy Hour. Mr. H and I trekked from Harajuku to Aoyama last year just to have a bite at the A to Z Cafe, a cozy Tokyo eatery Nara designed with graf media. While I've yet to come up with the funds to afford one of his tinier drawings, I ended up receiving something to hold on to for now directly from the man himself...
More from the gallery show:
DJ OORUTAICHI conjuring some digital magic:
A to Z Cafe...ah, deliciousness!
The "home" within a home at A to Z:
Milky green tea:
Cream cake:
Interior of A to Z's "home studio":
A modern girl...
A master chef...
A culture clash...
"Begin by putting tears into your broth."
Ladies and gentlemen, here's my pick for Favorite Movie in 2009 (a prediction): The Ramen Girl starring Brittany Murphy and...ramen noodles. Need I say more?
The only video game I ever really liked:
I used to play this bad boy at the local Shakey's Pizza. There was never a line for BurgerTime like there was for Frogger or Ms. Pac Man. They even had a little step stool for shorties like me, so I could reach the joystick. I still have dreams about stacking my lettuce, cheese, and meat just right and avoiding my enemies, Mr. Hot Dog, Mr. Pickle, and Mr. Egg.
Instead of a reading chair, perhaps this vintage BurgerTime game might be a better addition to my apartment this Christmas. I can read on the couch...or on the floor. Either way, I could use a few of these in my stocking:
I have long been a fan of Milk, France's ultimate children's fashion magazine. They recently extended their publication to Japan, and the results are both inspiring and hysterical...and way better than most adult fashion magazines. Here's a look at my favorite spread. When I have a kid, I want a little Hockney...
