Bunraku Backstage and Acky Bright: Studio Infinity

Start
October 4, 2024
End
January 19, 2025
Location
333 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017
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Sketch by Living National Treasure Ōe Minosuke (1907-1997), 1986. Graphic design adaptation by Milk Train. and Acky Bright, Ah, 2024. Acrylic on canvas.

Japan Society will present two exhibitions this October.

Alongside the live bunraku performances held at Japan Society this fall, Bunraku Backstage offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the theater. Bunraku, a dramatic art integrating performances of skilled puppetry, shamisen music, and narration, has evolved since the early 17th century in Japan and is recognized by UNESCO as a “masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity.” Showcasing actual working puppets, costumes, props, and instruments on loan from the National Bunraku Theatre, Osaka, in celebration of their 40th anniversary, this exhibition unveils the collaboration that goes into staging a bunraku production. Unexpected multimedia installations by contemporary artists, all of which re-interpret and revive the artistic language of bunraku, explore the theater’s ongoing inspiration and influence.

Acky Bright: Studio Infinity showcases the rising star’s unique kawakakkoii (cute and cool) style of illustration and product design. Conceived as Acky Bright’s design studio, the exhibition offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to meet the artist, witness his freestyle “live drawing,” and participate in making a series of manga-style murals. Performative and interactive, the exhibition will evolve as Acky Bright makes intermittent appearances in the gallery.

The exhibition will feature two new painting series by Acky Bright, KBK-18 and Ah-Un, that each draw inspiration from traditional Japanese art and theater. Underscoring the impressive range of his contemporary art practice, the show will also highlight Acky Bright’s promotional campaigns designed for major companies, including his multimedia designs for the nationwide “WcDonald’s” campaign, YOASOBI x Vaundy’s FRIES BEAT 2024 music video, and Squid Game coloring book illustrated for Netflix. 

On View

Apr 15, 2024
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Dec 15, 2024
Shigeru Ban: The Paper Log House
By
The Glass House

Apr

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Dec

Oct 4, 2024
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Jan 19, 2025
Bunraku Backstage and Acky Bright: Studio Infinity
By
Japan Society

Oct

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Jan

Sep 30, 2024
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Mar 16, 2025
Materialized Space: The Architecture of Paul Rudolph
By
The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sep

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Mar

Japan Society