OKAMOTO Ellie, OGINO Yuna, KANEKO Tomiyuki, KUMAZAWA Mikiko, MIZUNO Rina, YAMAMOTO Ryuki “Panem et Circenses Exhibition”

Mizuma Art Gallery is pleased to present a group show titled “Panem et Circenses (Bread and Circus) Exhibition” by OKAMOTO Ellie, OGINO Yuna, KANEKO Tomiyuki, KUMAZAWA Mikiko, MIZUNO Rina, and YAMAMOTO Ryuki beginning on 20th April. The artist unit “Contra Mundi” *, which consists of the six artists from this show was tasked with the illustrations for the serialized newspaper novel “Panem et Circenses” written by SHIMADA Masahiko. A complete collection of 382 original illustrations from the novel as well as new works creatively inspired from the novel’s setting will be assembled and exhibited for this show.

 

The novel “Panem et Circenses” was serialized in the morning edition by one of the three union newspaper companies, including the Chunichi Shimbun and the Tokyo Shimbun from 31st July 2020 to 29th August 2021, while a book was published by Kodansha in March of this year. Crossing the boundaries of many genres from adventure and suspense, politics and society, to religion and love, while changing the stage one after another from New York to Metaverse, reveals a structure of society which is invisible on the surface of everyday life. Every character has a purpose in life kept deep in their hearts, and ignite their inner fire within themselves in various ways. It is an entertainment work reflecting on the current social situation that is constantly being reconstructed while stepping deeper into the chaotic and the unknown. It is a magnificent revolutionary novel that questions the readers about the notion of living in the world today.

 

The illustrations that accompanied each installment of the novel were conducted in an unconventional manner, with six artists taking turns with completely different style. The portrayals of the characters are left to the freedom of each artist, and with different perspective by each artist gives rise to different impression even for the same character and scene. With each new piece of information, you will inevitably come across confusing gaps, even inconsistencies brought by the different perspectives, and just like the real world, you are bound to piece the events of the story together with your own interpretation and conclusion.

 

We invite you to take this opportunity to view the works by the six artists who have taken on the challenge vastly different from their ordinary works, as well as new paintings created just for this exhibition.

 

*The unit name “Contra Mundi” is the name of the secret league formed by the main characters in the story, and it is Latin for “enemy of the world”.

 

〈Special Talk〉

SHIMADA Masahiko x Exhibition Artists

Date: Saturday, 23rd April 14:00〜15:00 (Reservation no needed)

Venue: Mizuma Art Gallery

 

> Link to OKAMOTO Ellie

> Link to OGINO Yuna

> Link to KANEKO Tomiyuki

> Link to KUMAZAWA Mikiko

> Link to MIZUNO Rina

> Link to YAMAMOTO Ryuki