[Artists Wanted]KAWAII of the World

2019/06/29 bypicaresque_admin

◆From the Organizer

Japanese people never show their true feelings,
Chinese people are not mannerly.
American people always push their opinions,
and German people are very serious and unbending.
I feel that conversations and interactions based on such stereotypes occur in all corners of the world.

However, when I think about my friends…

From a Japanese person who cannot help but speak their mind and a Chinese person who gracefully maneuvers a knife and a fork as they tuck into a pie, to a composed American person who listens intently to others and a German person whose only goal on their day off is to keep the sofa warm, I have met many individuals who are not at all like the above stereotypes.

We are all shaped by the culture and traditions of the countries in which we were raised, while also being an accumulation of traits that are unique to each of us.

Stereotypes and prejudices formed by history and the actions of governments around the world sometimes prevent us from seeing the person as they are, and the concept of individuality is lost. This is a common occurrence in all corners of the world.

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I think of “kawaii” as a positive and fundamental modern Japanese notion that refers to the experience of cherishing something. Furthermore, I believe “KAWAII”, like “LOVE”, has the ability to cross borders, and is being established as a new concept of humanity around the world.

Under the theme of “KAWAII”, what kind of art would be created by artists from various countries, each of whom live with the shadow of social constructs and the light of individuality?

“Kawaii”, a word used daily by us in Japan, take on a new meaning when combined with the perspectives of artists from around the world, and emphasizes the light and the shadow within each individual.

If the guests to the exhibition could gain an understanding of other countries, as well as humanity as a whole, and feel the power of the artists’ individualities that overcome common stereotypes, my goal will be achieved.

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Living in Tokyo, where the city prepares to host the Olympic Games, I feel Japan is gradually progressing towards an international hub.

I want to build connections among the rich supply of individuality that are hidden under an umbrella of stereotypes constructed by society.

I decided to hold the exhibition because of this desire. Despite being born and raised in America, people there identified me as “Asian” because of my appearance, while I was often referred to as “gaijin” (foreigner) in Kagoshima, Japan, where we lived after leaving America.

In December, 2019, I would like to exhibit and sell the works of 100 artists in a single, unifying space. Please feel free to apply to be a part of this exhibition. Alternatively, if you know of anyone who may be interested in this venture, please get in touch.

I am truly looking forward to December, when I can showcase all of your works side by side.

With a belief that love and peace lie just beyond KAWAII.

Wutami Matsuoka, Picaresque

▷To find out more about Wutami Matsuoka, the organizer of the exhibition and the owner of Picaresque follow the link (Japanese only)

▷To find out more about Picaresque and to see some images of the gallery: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram (Japanese only)

◆Exhibition Information

Venue: Picaresque Gallery, 4-54-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Dates: November 29th, 2019 (Fri.) – December 29th, 2019 (Sun.), 11:00 – 18:00 *Open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays only
Organized by Matsuoka, Picaresque

◆Submission Requirements

Number of artwork: 1 to 3
Size: Japanese postcard size (100mm x 148mm)

Format of work:
Materials and techniques can be chosen by each artist, but please ensure that it is the original work (not a print). For printmaking and photographs, please include the edition number. Please also ensure that you do not violate the rights of any third party individuals or groups, including the use of their work in collages, copying of their work, or use of their designs and concepts. If submitting a work using a third party image or concept, please obtain the rights to use it in advance. Please feel free to contact us with any queries.

Language:
All communications should be in English or Japanese. If you are not able to communicate in Japanese or English, please organize a representative who can communicate in either language before applying.

Country of Residence:
This exhibition is primarily open to artists residing in Japan. However, any artist who has someone that can be responsible for transport of the artwork in Japan, receive money for any artwork sold, or undertake any other necessary procedures are welcome to apply.

Material:
Postcard sized, flat artwork, portrait orientation
Technique to be decided by each artist.
*The artwork can be up to 4mm in thickness

Exhibition Cost: Free
Number of artists required: 100

Application Closing Date:
November 1st, 2019 *Applications will close once the number of artists have been reached.

Price of Artwork:
Please set a price for your artwork (before tax), ensuring that it is at least 3,000 JPY. The price should be in Japanese yen.

Distribution of Proceeds:
60:40 Artist:Administration
(Artists are required to cover the transfer fee incurred by the bank. No fees apply for transfers to Shinsei Bank accounts.)

Sale Procedure:
Once sold, the artwork will be given directly to the customer at the gallery.

Advertisement:
Promotional postcards will be created by Picaresque Gallery to advertise this exhibition. Only the works of artists whose participation in the exhibition has been decided by September, and who has submitted the data of their KAWAII exhibition artwork will feature on the postcards.

Display Method:
Artwork will be placed in a white frame, and will be displayed on the wall of the gallery in a grid formation.

△Image of a past exhibition held at Picaresque, First Love Exhibition (118 Artists)

◆Schedule after application process:

Exhibition Confirmation: Up to November 1st, 2019
(Your appearance at the exhibition will be confirmed by November 1st in order of applications received)

Promotional Postcard Closing Date: October 6th, 2019

Please submit 1-3 pieces of your work (original work or image data of the work) for use on promotional postcards. Artists whose participation is confirmed after September 6th will be featured on the gallery’s website and social media.

Artwork Submission
Date: November 14th to 17th, 2019
Please bring or send your work to Picaresque.
Please note that artists are asked to cover the cost of delivery themselves.

Address: FAO Matsuoka, Picaresque Gallery, 4-54-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
*Please ensure that it is delivered between Thursday and Sunday, or on Public Holidays.

◆How to Apply
Please email your application.
Please note that applications via direct messaging on social media will not be accepted.
Please use the format below when applying.

Email Format
Recipient: Matsuoka, Picaresque
Address: picaresquepr＊gmail.com *Please replace ＊ with @

Subject: [Application] KAWAII of the World

Please include the following information in your email:

Name
Pen name
Email address / Phone number (for emergencies only, please use email for standard correspondences)
Nationality, or country with which you have a tie (please state the period of your stay and your age at the time)
Please cite 3 exhibitions in which you have participated in the past.
*Name of exhibition
*Website with information on the exhibition (can be social media)

This field is not required if you have no past exhibitions.

Supplementary Information
*Artist website
*Artist social media account

This field is not required if you do not have a website or social media accounts.

Attachment

Please attach 3 previous works. Your past works do not need to be in themes similar to KAWAII.
*Images received will be used for reviewing purposes for this exhibition only. They will not be used for any other purposes.

I am looking forward to receiving all of your applications!

▽Image: White frame that will be used for the artwork.

▽The frame is made of wooden frame and 2 sheets of glass.

Your works will be displayed in frames provided by Picaresque.
The frame consists of two 1mm-thick sheets of glass which are placed on either side of the work, which is then slid into the white frame from the top.