Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form

Image credit: Du Gu, Zao Dao, 2014, character design for Le souffle du vent dans les pins. Published by Editions Mosquito, 2016.

This is a special-ticketed exhibition. Tickets to Asian Comics will include admission to all 9 permanent collection exhibitions. 

Never-before-seen at a museum and making its American debut, Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form presents the largest ever selection of original artworks from Asian comics, displayed alongside their printed, mass-produced forms. This exhibition is a vivid journey through the art of comics and visual storytelling across Asia. From its historical roots to the most recent digital innovations, the exhibition looks to popular Japanese manga and beyond, highlighting key creators, characters, and publications. Explore thriving contemporary comics cultures and traditional graphic narrative artforms from places including:

Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, and Vietnam.

Visitors to Asian Comics will dive into a kaleidoscope of diverse stories, from fantastical folklore, pivotal historical moments, revealing memoirs, and challenging expressions of freedom. Discover acclaimed and influential creators from Osamu Tezuka, Zao Dao, Morel, Hur Young Man, and Lat, to genre innovators and under-represented artists including Abhishek Singh and Miki Yamamoto. See how their work has influenced cinema, animation, fashion, visual art, music, and videogames, and get creative in the accompanying makerspace that’s fun for all ages.

Curated by Paul Gravett with a team of more than twenty international advisors, Asian Comics features over 400 works — the largest selection of artworks from the continent — including Japanese woodblock prints, Hindu scroll paintings, digital media, printed comics, and contemporary illustrations. This unique exhibition makes its North American debut at Bowers Museum and offers a gateway to an unexplored world of graphic storytelling and its artistic value.

Things to Know

• Please be advised that this exhibition may contain instances of nudity and violence, as it explores various themes and artistic expressions found in Asian comics. Viewer discretion is advised.
• Please be aware that this exhibit is an immersive, multisensory experience. Sitting areas are available within the gallery for your comfort as you navigate through the exhibition.
• We care about your safety! Emergency exits are clearly marked, and maps with exit routes are available within the gallery.
• Section 5 of this exhibit contains adult material intended for mature audiences only. This section is partitioned from the rest of the gallery for discretion. Visitors under age 18, and those wishing to skip Section 5, may enjoy an art activity area (located outside the partition) before moving on to Section 6.
• Oversized backpacks or cases are prohibited.

Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form is curated and organized by the Barbican Centre with contributions from Bowers Museum.