Courtesy Japan Society
There’s still time to catch two exhibitions at the Japan Society–Acky Bright: Studio Infinity and Bunraku Backstage–before they close on January 19. Also meet Japanese illustrator Acky Bright for a rare talk and signing in celebration of the closing weekend of his exhibition Acky Bright: Studio Infinity.
Acky Bright: Studio Infinity
Artist Talk: Saturday, January 18 at 4pm
Closing: Sunday, January 19, 2025
The Japan Society is honored to showcase the work of designer and manga artist Acky Bright. The exhibition features the artist’s two new painting series, KBK-18 and Ah-Un, that each draw inspiration from traditional Japanese art and theater. Acky Bright is celebrated across Japan and the U.S. for his signature kawakakkoii (cute and cool) characters. His collaborations with music groups such as YOASOBI, ASTERISM, and Perfume, as well as global brands like McDonald’s, Hasbro, DC Comics, BMW, Meta, and Netflix, have earned him a devoted following that seamlessly bridges high art and pop culture.
During the closing event on January 18, attendees will be able to purchase Acky Bright: Studio Infinity exhibition merchandise and copies of Acky Bright’s B/W artbook or bring books from home for the signing session following the talk.
To learn more and purchase tickets, click here.
Bunraku Backstage
Closing: Sunday, January 19, 2025
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—Sugimoto Hiroshi, Tamura Yuichiro, and Basil Twist—all of which re-interpret and revive the artistic language of bunraku, explore the theater’s ongoing inspiration and influence.
To learn more, click here.