The Return of Picasso and Keiichi Tanaami: A Mirror of the World
Picasso has a longstanding reputation for being revolutionary.
Even though the artist is most definitely one of the most controversial within the realm of modern art, he nonetheless still makes waves, as subtle as they can be, in contemporary art. During the pandemic, the globally acclaimed Keiichi Tanaami found himself on the brink of utter boredom. What got him out of his funk was undoubtedly Picasso.
Keiichi Tanaami is known for his monstrous, contemporary, downright psychedelic, and kaleidoscopic pieces. A master of silk screening, acrylic painting, collage, animation, and more, his art has countlessly whirled around the globe. Tanaami is considered the precursor of the Superflat movement.
Being affected by the war and post-war Japan, many of these traumatic experiences appear in his art, whether it’s air raids, explosions, or the bright flip-side of the 60s, creating an altogether enigmatic constitution of his dreams and memories. Exploring his past and present is an important piece of the puzzle that makes Tanaami, who transcribes these visions to be shared with the world.
However, having a dry spell when everything you’ve ever known brakes suddenly is understandable. Unable to resume his projects and works, Tanaami turned to one of his most fond paintings by Picasso “Mother and Child” and created a replica. He realized he thoroughly enjoyed this process of mindless painting and based himself on this type of work to create a collection of over 400 Picasso-inspired paintings. Tanaami focused on a new canvas while repeating what he remembered from his last canvas, creating a sequence similar to “a game of Chinese whispers”.
A Mirror of the World is Tanaami’s latest exhibition, showcasing his new collection inspired by Picasso as well as his more classic works. Tokyo will have the opportunity to see Tanaami’s art at NANZUKA UNDERGROUND, from November 12th to December 24th, as well as at 3110NZ by LDH kitchen which will feature A Mirror of the World (chap. 2) from November 15th to December 24th.
About the Author:
Mizuki Khoury
Born in Montreal, based in Tokyo. Sabukaru’s senior writer and works as an artist under Exit Number Five.
