ACF 560: Japanese artist Makoto Aida subject of new VIZ Pictures DVD

MAKOTO AIDA: CYNIC IN THE PLAYGROUND PROFILES

ONE OF JAPAN’S MOST CONTROVERSIAL ARTISTS

Latest Release In NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES Captures

The Work And Private Life Of Pop Art Provocateur

VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced the release of the newest volume of its ongoing NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES – Makoto Aida: Cynic in the Playground. The recently released documentary is directed by Yusuke Tamari, carries an MSRP of $25.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN and will be distributed exclusively by VIZ Media.

Makoto Aida is one of the most diverse and controversial artists in Japan working prolifically in various media including sculpture, painting, video, installation and manga. Known for his diverse and often controversial images, Makoto Aida shares his work and private life as he creates his "Human Project" and "Shinjuku Castle."

“Makoto Aida’s art often exhibits a dark cynicism that is infused with elements of a lighthearted, lowbrow-style humor as he tackles heavy subjects such as terrorism, pedophilia, and societal misogyny,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures and the founder of NEW PEOPLE. “This documentary, which is the fifth release in our NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES, is a rare look at one of the most provocative artists of our time, and lets his true character emerge through his intense creative process.”

The NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES is an intriguing collection of documentaries introducing modern Japanese Pop artists to the American audience. All of the highlighted artists possess unique views and inspirations to create captivating works of art.

For more information, visit http://www.viz-pictures.com/ or www.newpeopleartistseries.com.

ACF 551: Northeast Asia New (York) exhibition coming to The Korea Society

Northeast Asia New (York) Gallery Opening
Thursday, April 29 at 6:00 PM

I'm pleased to pass on this information and invitation from The Korea Society about an interesting upcoming exhibition and gallery opening.

WHAT:
From winning gold at the Winter Olympics to hosting November's G-20 summit, Korea has emerged as a vibrant leader in sports, policy, and the arts. The Korea Society is celebrating the run-up to the G-20 by showcasing new artists from Northeast Asia in an exhibition of their latest works titled Northeast Asia New (York). New York residents all, these young visionaries share their images of the City, reflecting on the challenges of urbanization and the search for the contemplative. With styles distinctly Asian and cosmopolitan, Hao Chang (China), Maki Teshima (Japan), and Zola Nyambuu (Mongolia) explore the image in modern society, recollecting the work of late contemporary great Nam June Paik (Korea), whom the exhibition honors.

Dr. Stephen Noerper, Senior Vice President of The Korea Society praises the selected artists as "visionaries and nomads, who through their photography and printmaking, remind us of the vibrancy of this metropolis and, in tribute to the late Nam June Paik, of the power of the image in modern society. As Korea brings the G-20 nations to Seoul this fall, so too The Korea Society is proud to gather together such talent from Northeast Asia. Chang shows us grand cityscapes in a toy-like montage, Teshima employs printmaking technique—a global contribution of ancient Korea—with modern photographic overlay, and Nyambuu wields a powerful lens in capturing both the majestic and contemplative."

Join us as The Korea Society launches its Young Professionals Month and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month festivities. The opening will feature a soju and sake tasting.

WHEN:
Thursday, April 29 from 6-9pm (comments at 7pm)

WHERE:
The Korea Society
950 Third Avenue @ 57th Street, 8th Floor
(Building entrance on SW corner of Third Avenue and 57th Street)

The Korea Society is dedicated to the promotion of greater awareness, understanding and cooperation between the people of the United States and Korea. Please visit www.koreasociety.org.