Image credit: Du Gu, Zao Dao, 2014, character design for Le souffle du vent dans les pins. Published by Editions Mosquito, 2016.
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 countries including India, Philippines, Indonesia, China, Korea and Japan.
Delve 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, Miyako Maki, 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.
Curated by Paul Gravett with a team of more than twenty international advisors, Asian Comics features over 500 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 is a gateway to an unexplored world of graphic storytelling and its artistic value.
The Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form exhibition is curated and organized by the Barbican Centre.
