Infantile and Cuteness in Japanese Contemporary Art - Thesis Example

Apart from recreating masterworks of Western art, Morimura uses computer technology to manipulate photographs of  Western pop-culture icons, in some occasions superimposing portions of his image over the hose of celebrities such as Madonna, and Michael Jackson. In numerous exhibitions, Morimura uses different techniques to portray the need for transformation such as installing instant photo booths alongside his self-portraits. This technique allows the spectators to superimpose an image of their face alongside that of Morimura’s. In most of his paintings, Morimura seems to adopt the West in his images eventually converting them into individual visions by assuming Japanese culture and its characteristics. Though, Morimura’s artwork and paintings are a constant exploration of ideas, images, identity, and desire Yasumasa Morimura, painting Physchoborg painting was chosen for this exhibition because it’s an example of sophisticated fun and an attitude that goes beyond mere entertainment.

The iconic exploration in the painting presents existential possibilities and a reflection of the contradiction between the East and West, between Japanese and foreign cultures, and between traditional and contemporary culture. The self-portrait done by Morimura gives a clear reflection of humorous imitations and a representation of a clever cultural commentator interested in reinterpreting and parodying Western subjects from an Asian point of view. Morimura’s art painting Physchoborg gives the viewer a picture and a reflection of a new global movement based on the collapse of cultural boundaries and the free exchange of artistic influences.

In the painting, Physchoborg Morimura literally slips into Western art and the first thing a viewer senses in the painting is his admiration for artistic mastery. The viewer is able to see the digital intervention of fundamental icons of Western art thus Michael Jackson and Madonna are substituted by Morimura’s own face. Through, this Morimura integrates Asian features and Western art by inserting his own face into the photographic copies of the paintings. By doing this he creates capricious art history by presenting himself as an ironic protagonist in the painting.

Morimura's paintings not only criticize the works of Western art rather they too appreciate them. Morimura's interpretations are comical, grotesque, irreverent, and even kitsch involving himself personally in the work through the use of various resources and carefully set designs.