The Impact of Globalization on Contemporary Japanese Art
1. Introduction:
Globalization refers to the process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among people, organizations, and governments around the world. It is a process that has been accelerated by advances in technology, communication, and transportation. Globalization has had a significant impact on the arts, with artists increasingly working in a global context and their work being shown in international exhibitions and biennales. The Japanese art scene has not been immune to these changes, with globalization having a profound impact on the development of contemporary Japanese art.
2. The spread of Western culture and its impact on Japanese art:
The spread of Western culture in Japan began in the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan embarked on a program of modernization after centuries of isolation. During this period, Western art was introduced to Japan for the first time and had a profound impact on the development of Japanese art. Japanese artists were exposed to Western painting styles and began to experiment with these new styles. This resulted in a period of great creativity in Japanese art, with a number of important artists emerging, such as Okakura Tenshin (1862-1913) and Hashimoto Gahō (1835-1908).
The Meiji period also saw the rise of Japonisme, a movement in which Western artists were inspired by Japanese art. This was particularly evident in the work of French Impressionist painters such as Claude Monet (1840-1926) and Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), who were influenced by ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Japonisme had a significant impact on European art, and its influence can be seen in the work of subsequent generations of artists such as Pablo Picasso (1881-1973).
3. The era of post globalization and the effect of internationalization:
The era of post globalization began in the late 20th century and continues to the present day. This era is characterized by increased internationalization, with artists working in a global context and their work being shown in international exhibitions and biennales. The phenomenon of globalization has had a significant impact on the development of contemporary Japanese art.
One of the most important contemporary Japanese artists is Tokashi Murakami (b. 1962), who is known for his “superflat” style of painting that incorporates elements from both traditional Japanese art and popular culture. Murakami’s work has been shown internationally and he has collaborated with a number of major brands, such as Louis Vuitton and Kanye West. Another important contemporary artist is Taro Okamoto (1911-1996), who was influenced by both Western art and traditional Japanese painting. Okamoto’s work often features bright colors and bold patterns, and his paintings have been exhibited widely both inside and outside of Japan.
4. Contemporary artists who were influenced by globalization:
As mentioned above, globalization has had a profound effect on the development of contemporary Japanese art. A number of contemporary artists have been influenced by globalization, including Tokashi Murakami and Taro Okamoto. Other contemporary artists who have been influenced by globalization include Yayoi Kusama (b. 1929), who is known for her avant-garde style that combines elements of pop art with traditional Japanese motifs; Yoshitomo Nara (b
In conclusion, globalization has had a significant impact on the development of contemporary Japanese art. A number of contemporary artists have been influenced by globalization, and their work often reflects the increased internationalization of the art world. The era of post globalization has seen a rise in the number of international exhibitions and biennales, which has further facilitated the spread of Japanese art around the world.