Comics / Press Releases

VIZ Pictures Present Yoshitaka Amano

By The Editor
July 23, 2009 - 08:48

NEW PEOPLE JAPANESE POP CULTURE ATTRACTION LEAPS INTO THE ART WORLD WITH THE SUPERFROG GALLERY AND DEBUTS A VIBRANT EXHIBIT BY RENOWNED ARTIST YOSHITAKA AMANO

Spacious 2,000 Square Foot Gallery Space Opens in August and Will Be a Unique Showcase for Established and Emerging Artists Inspired by Japanese Pop and Modern Culture

NEW PEOPLE, a dynamic entertainment destination bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, adds a new dimension to San Francisco’s contemporary art scene with the opening of the SUPERFROG Gallery.

The bright and spacious 2,000 square foot exhibit space is located on the 3rd floor of NEW PEOPLE’s striking contemporary building in the heart of the city’s historic Japantown. Grand Opening celebrations for NEW PEOPLE and the SUPERFROG Gallery will commence on August 15th.

Named for the short story Super-Frog Saves Tokyo, by acclaimed writer Haruki Murakami, the SUPERFROG Gallery will offer a permanent outlet for established as well as emerging artists who draw inspiration from Japanese pop and modern culture.

Legendary artist Yoshitaka Amano will make a rare U.S. appearance to celebrate the grand opening of NEW PEOPLE and the SUPERFROG Gallery with his newest exhibit, DEVA LOKA, created especially for the gallery and named for the ancient Indian land of God. As an ode to his childhood love for American comics, culture and automobiles, Amano’s latest breathtaking and vibrant pieces are boldly coated with auto paint and metallic glitter. The exhibit will run through October 18th and admission is free.

Amano is widely acclaimed for his work in animation and video games. He is renowned for designing the characters for the hit video game, Final Fantasy, as well as for anime films including Vampire Hunter D, Guin Saga, Final Fantasy, and Front Mission. This will be Amano’s only scheduled U.S. personal appearance this year; a panel discussion focusing on his work and a rare autograph session are also planned as part of the Grand Opening festivities.

“This exhibition at the SUPERFROG Gallery brings me back to the U.S. after a long period of being away,” says Amano. “Between the late 60’s and the 70’s, and during my early years in the art world, I was greatly influenced by American comic books and pop culture. I’d like to show my gratitude for the inspiration America gave me with this exhibit. With the theme of DEVA LOKA, all of my concepts and influences are able to come together, centered in one place. I hope everyone enjoys my show.”

Visual art is at the heart of Japanese pop culture and the crisp lines, vibrant colors and imaginative designs and characters make the genre instantly recognizable. The museum’s curator lives in Tokyo and will provide the SUPERFROG Gallery with a direct channel to a talented pool of artists who will continue to push artistic boundaries. Not only as an exhibit space for Japanese artists, NEW PEOPLE will also welcome a host of domestic and international artists that are similarly inspired by Japanese culture and are conscious of the cultural interaction between East and West. At a local level, the gallery will also interact with Bay Area artists who have a personal connection to Japan and will help support and nurture the Bay Area’s robust artistic community.

“Even before we planned the SUPERFROG Gallery, we wanted the NEW PEOPLE building to be an easily accessible public space to enjoy the work of Japanese artists across a variety of mediums,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the founder/CEO of VIZ Pictures and VIZ Media as well as the J-pop Center Project. “By displaying art throughout the building, even in the restrooms and staircases, we look to introduce these artists to as many visitors as possible. We’re also interested in developing future exhibits that represent both classic and modern Japanese culture. “

NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and  is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com.

About VIZ Pictures, Inc.:
Based in San Francisco, California, VIZ Pictures, Inc. licenses distributes Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese "kawaii (cute) and cool" pop culture. VIZ Pictures approaches each release from a J-pop fan's point of view to serve the manga and anime generation in North America. VIZ Pictures titles include DEATH NOTE, 20TH CENTURY BOYS, K-20: THE FIEND WITH TWENTY FACES, NANA, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, LINDA LINDA LINDA, PING PONG, THE TASTE OF TEA, TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO and others. The company will continue to offer the hottest visual entertainment straight from the "Kingdom of Pop" for audiences of all ages in North America. For more information please visit www.viz-pictures.com

About The J-Pop Center Project:
Launched by creative visionary Seiji Horibuchi, the founder and CEO of VIZ Pictures and the founder of VIZ Media, The J-Pop Center Project develops and extends innovative creative alliances and collaborations across different media: film, animation, music, art and retail products. For more information please visit www.NewPeopleWorld.com.

Candy Girl

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12