Graphic posters document Japan's socio-political evolution

Chronicling the social and political evolution of Japan over the 20th century, a new exhibition here seeks to create awareness about the rich culture of the island nation, through the medium of graphic posters.
Titled, the "Contemporary Japanese Posters," the 3-week- long exhibition, underway at the Japan Foundation here showcases works of 15 renowned Japanese graphic designers created between 1980 and 1990.
Popularly known as the period of "Bubble Economy," the decade saw Japan rising up the economic ladder complemented with an increased environmental consciousness among its citizens.
The exhibits include works by three generations of Japanese poster artists - from the pioneering designer Yusaku Kamekura to the third generation that had Tadanori Yoko.

"Graphic design in Japan mainly involves posters for cultural events and art exhibitions, and sometimes those promoting social awareness for peace, environmental protection, and other issues, all of which have been put to practical use," says Misako Futsuki, Director of Arts and Culture, The Japan Foundation.
One of the artworks from artist Makoto Nakamura's 'Japan Joconde' collection, depicts Leonardo da Vinci's iconic painting 'Monalisa' superimposed by colourful patches - non-uniform in one exhibit and vertical in another.

"Poster making is my favourite medium. This is because, as a designer, I can express my senses freely in the way I please, using my favourite techniques," says the artist who works as a designer for Shiseido Co. Ltd, one of the country's largest cosmetic companies.

Another poster from 'Hiroshima Appeals' collection
designed in 1983 by Yusaku Kamekura is a reminder of the devastating tragedy that took over 1,29,000 lives.
The poster showcases colourful butterflies set on fire against a melancholic greyish white background.
The artist draws a parallel between the country's recuperation from the aftermath of the nuclear bombings to become one of the biggest technology capitals in the world, and the graphic design industry there which he says is, "immature as a culture, but it is active and lively."
"Graphic design must develop at the same pace at which people upgrade their lives," says Kamekura.

Standing out from the rest of the exhibits are Makoto Saito's sepia tinted anatomical posters that show different parts of the human body - a foot, a palm and a face.
Saito's works that are largely text free are believed to explore the theme of "seeing." The artworks are superimposed by geometrical lines - perhaps what can be defined as the 'line of sight' in terms of physics.
Yukimasa Okumara has created an image of the quintessential Japanese woman donning a blue flowery hat and a colorful kimono, against a bright blue backdrop.
"I design posters so that the spectators first perceive an image, then become aware of the characters and design elements in the center or in the corner of the posters, and then apreciate the image again," says the artist.

"That way," he says, "the spectators experience a repetition and multiplication of the image."
Other artists exhibited at the show include Koichi Sato whose works explore the pop-art and psychedelic art movement, and Tadanori Yokoo who has created posters that are not only rich in colours but also in imagery.
The show is set to continue till July 1.