Ateneo Art Gallery, The Japan Foundation, Manila and The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines present the international traveling exhibition Manga Hokusai Manga: Approaching the Master’s Compendium from the Perspective of Contemporary Comics. On view from June 17 to July 28, the exhibition introduces the similarities and differences between modern Japanese manga, which now enjoys global popularity, and Katsushika Hokusai’s manga.
Admission to the exhibit is free.
Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), best known for the woodblock print, titled The Great Wave, called his collection of printed drawings manga. Hokusai Manga contains an assortment of drawings varying in subject matter—from the humorous to the prosaic and instructional. This pictorial compendium is often associated with the origins of contemporary manga for its storytelling and visualization of movement. Over 200 years after its first volume was published, it continues to captivate people worldwide.
Manga Hokusai Manga approaches Hokusai Manga from the perspective of contemporar Japanese comics. The exhibition begins with six images of Hokusai from 1970’s manga, when Hokusai’s personality and eventful life became a source of inspiration for manga artists; and ends with seven original works made by contemporary manga artists specifically for this exhibition.
Responding to the formal aspects of Hokusai Manga and the fascination with its creator, these contemporary works provide an insight into the constantly evolving expressions of manga and the directions it will take in the future.
Prior to its exhibition in the Philippines at Ateneo Art Gallery (ateneoartgallery.org), it has been shown in countries such as Italy, Belgium, Ireland and Vietnam. The exhibition in the Philippines will feature a reading corner, with the latest and classic manga from the Japan Foundation library.
Ancillary events include: the June 30 lecture “Exhibiting Manga: Intentions, Difficulties and Potentials” by Dr. Jaqueline Berndt, director of the exhibition and professor of Japanese Language and Culture at Stockholm University; “Making Manga: Basic Manga Creative Process Workshop” by Tintin Pantoja of Comic School Manila, on July 15, for enthusiasts age 12 and above; and the July 20 lecture “Manga and the ‘Manga-esque’: Shifting Definitions and Perspectives” by Dr. Karl Ian Uy Cheng Chua, director of the Japanese Studies Program and assistant professor of the Ateneo De Manila University’s Department of History.
Both lectures and the workshop will be held at the Natividad Galang Fajardo Room, Dela Costa Hall, Ateneo de Manila University. Limited seats available in all events.
The Ateneo Art Gallery is at the Rizal Library Special Collections Building, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City. For information, call (02) 426-6488 or e-mail aag@ateneo.edu.