According To What

Akira Shimidu, from Japan, is part of what is being considered the “Post Superflat” (post Murakami) generation.  This group is also considered “post 9/11″, mostly due to the two exhibitions on this theme curated by Shimidu’s Japanese dealer, Hiromi Yoshii, at the old Deitch space in New York.

The notion of those themes, in my mind, dealt with the groups moving beyond simple pop iconography, and moving past pure Japonism.  These new, younger artists are working with multi-media constructions, where detritus assemblage can be combined with musical creation, video, installation, and even fashion.

I think Shimidu exemplifies this aesthetic approach better than many.  The work, sometimes as sculpture, sometimes as painting, often a hybrid of the two, could come from anywhere.  It deals with cultural garbage and stimulation, not necessarily Japanese stimulation.

In this sense, Shimidu and his contemporaries are pushing new ground.  They are moving beyond the comfort zone of their own sense of self, while retaining a playful air.

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Most of these images came from Hiromi Yoshii Gallery’s website.

Tagged: akira shimidu, assemblage, Japan, japanese contemporary artists, post-superflat, sculpture