Discover the Magical Encounter of Pokémon and Japanese Craft in the POKÉMON X KOGEI Exhibition!
Step into the enchanting world of Pokémon and Japanese craft as JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles presents the POKÉMON X KOGEI | Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft exhibition. From July 25, 2023, to January 7, 2024, visitors will have the opportunity to witness the captivating fusion of beloved Pokémon characters with the intricacies of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Supervised by the National Crafts Museum in Kanazawa, Japan, with special support from The Pokémon Company, this one-of-a-kind exhibition showcases over 70 masterpieces crafted by twenty of Japan’s most skilled artisans. The artists, ranging from renowned metal artist Morihito Katsura to promising young talent Taiichiro Yoshida, were challenged to express the world of Pokémon through various media, including lacquer, ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and more.
The connection between Pokémon and Japanese craft might not be immediately apparent, but upon closer examination, the parallels become clear. Just as there are distinct Pokémon types, such as Grass, Fire, Water, and Electric, Japanese crafts are often created using elements like clay from the earth, water for shaping, and metal for decoration. The two worlds share a common thread of skill development and collection, with players training their Pokémon and artists honing their craft.
The exhibition is divided into three sections, each presenting a different aspect of the playful encounter between Pokémon and craft. In the “Appearance” section, artists bring Pokémon to life by capturing their forms, gestures, and expressions. Metal artist Taiichiro Yoshida, for instance, skillfully creates intricate plates representing Eevee and its evolutions using unique techniques such as plating with electricity and chemical transformations through fire.
In the “Stories” section, textile designer Reiko Sudo invites visitors to immerse themselves in the magical world of Pikachu through her “Pikachu Forest” installation, featuring over 900 strands of lace suspended from the ceiling, each containing Pikachu.
The final “Life” section features works by ceramic artist Keiko Masumoto, who fuses Pokémon characters with traditional vessel forms. Her Shigaraki ware vases showcase Charizard, Charmander, Moltres, Vulpix, and Ninetales emerging from the clay, beautifully blending Pokémon’s fiery nature with the ancient artistry of the Shigaraki pottery style.
Whether you are a Pokémon enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about the intersection of pop culture and traditional craftsmanship, the POKÉMON X KOGEI exhibition promises to be a delightful and immersive experience. The collaboration between the world of video games and Japanese craft results in awe-inspiring creations that celebrate the creativity and artistry of both realms.
Don’t miss the chance to witness this exceptional showcase of Pokémon and Japanese craftmanship at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles. The exhibition will run from July 25, 2023, to January 7, 2024, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the playful encounters between these beloved characters and the rich world of Japanese craft. So mark your calendars and embark on a whimsical journey that brings together the magic of Pokémon with the elegance of traditional craftsmanship.
Make sure to watch the Tweeted video below to see the amazing Pokemon at the exhibit!
The Pokémon X Kogei Exhibition at @JHLosAngeles will blow your mind 🤯 Now open in Los Angeles! #PokemonXKogei #JapanHouseLA pic.twitter.com/XlZjrRBjjj
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) July 25, 2023
