[Doraemon Exhibition] A Star-Studded Lineup of Contemporary Artists — "THE Doraemon Exhibition NAGOYA 2018" @ Matsuzakaya Museum of Art

THE Doraemon Exhibition NAGOYA 2018

I paid a visit to “THE Doraemon Exhibition NAGOYA 2018,” currently being held at the Matsuzakaya Museum of Art.
The lineup, packed with contemporary art masters and promising young artists, was truly a feast — and the range of works on display was wonderfully varied.

Being a Doraemon exhibition, one thing you don’t usually see at a museum is a crowd of children, which was in itself a fun sight.
The delighted voices of kids reacting to Kotobuki Shiriagari’s animation worked as a fitting soundtrack for a Doraemon show, adding a lovely touch to the whole atmosphere.

The concept of the Doraemon Exhibition is to bring together 28 leading Japanese artists around the theme “Please make YOUR Doraemon.” Let’s take a look at each artist’s work.

Takashi Murakami

Takashi Murakami’s Doraemon is, as always, unwaveringly Murakami-esque.You get to meet a huge number of Doraemons and Nobitas.Takashi Murakami’s works transport you straight into the world of “Doraemon.”
Placing his own characters on equal footing with them is a very business-savvy move — quite fitting for a commercial-minded artist.
He isn’t a favorite of mine, so please forgive the sharper tone. Still, his works pay great respect to the world of Doraemon, so as the very first piece you encounter upon entering, they leave a solid, safe impression.

Makoto Aida

Truly Makoto Aida — a provocative work in his signature style.

"Kiseinoseiki — Kuki —" — “Kiseinoseiki — Kuki —”

The caption is provocative — very Makoto Aida.

The title of the work is "Kiseinoseiki." It looks like a coded phrase, and a gentle suggestion is even added — how about sea… — The title of the work is “Kiseinoseiki.” It looks like a coded phrase, and a gentle suggestion is even added — how about searching it up?

ドラえもん展ですが…会場に掲示するのは野暮ってことで省略した解説を書いておきます。今回はちょっとだけハイコンテキスト。「キセイノセイキ」は2016年に東京都現代美術館で開催された展覧会、そこに出すはずだった小泉明郎さんの作品が「空気」。そこからタイトルとアイデアをもらいました。

— 会田誠 (@makotoaida) 2017年11月3日

The exhibition referred to in this tweet is discussed in the following article.

https://bijutsutecho.com/magazine/review/315

It touches on the issue of “freedom of expression” and “movements to restrict it.”
Also — this is just my personal reading — the transparent character depicted appears to be Shizuka-chan, judging from the shape.
“Kiseinoseiki” can be read as “the genitals of regulation.”
Makoto Aida calls it “a minor gag piece,” yet the way he leverages the character of Doraemon to make his own statement is nothing short of masterful. Aida’s energy always leaves me in awe.

Mika Ninagawa

Photographer Mika Ninagawa’s work is very feminine in feel, capturing a world in which you “go on a date with Doraemon” through photographs.

Not only are the photos on display, but they are also compiled into an album — utterly charming.

Miran Fukuda

Miran Fukuda’s work is, as ever, powerhouse-level. Her painting skills continue to astonish.

Miran Fukuda’s work at “Monet: 100 Years After” was overwhelmingly wonderful. If you’re interested, please check the article below.

Akira Yamaguchi

I hold deep respect for artists whose work you can identify at a glance — Akira Yamaguchi is one of them.

"No I Am Day" — the best-looking Nobita you'll ever see. — “No I Am Day” — the best-looking Nobita you’ll ever see.

Tomoko Konoike

Veteran artist Tomoko Konoike’s work was a large-scale piece.
Her signature-style large leather curtain (kawa-donchou) painting comes with a real fur “Fourth-Dimension Pocket” attached.