Japan supernatural: Gallery of NSW, Until 8 March 2020

Experience an astonishing world of magical creatures and phenomenal beings in Japanese art this summer at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Featuring over 180 wildly imaginative works by some of the greatest Japanese artists of the past and present, from historical master Katsushika Hokusai to contemporary superstar Takashi Murakami, Japan supernatural is part of the 2019–20 Sydney International Art Series.

Japanese artists across the centuries have created a lively parade of magical animals, fiendish imps, legendary monsters and ethereal spirits. Known in Japan by many names including yōkai, yūrei, bakemono and mononoke, manifestations of the paranormal are prevalent in folklore, literature, theatre and art.

As audiences step into the realm of the supernatural across almost 300 years of Japanese art they’ll view magnificent paintings, large-scale installations, miniature carvings, humorous illustrations and the vibrant ukiyo-e woodblock prints that define the tradition of the supernatural in Japanese art.

Centred on a monumental installation of painting and sculpture by Takashi Murakami, Japan supernatural features works by the late manga artist Mizuki Shigeru and contemporary artist Tarō Yamamoto as well as masks by Hideta Kitazawa. Also in the exhibition are rich and nuanced works by leading female Japanese contemporary artists Fuyuko Matsui, Miwa Yanagi, Tabaimo and Chiho Aoshima.

These artists continue the creative lineage of visualising the unseen, their works presented together with some of the greatest Japanese artists of the past including Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi and Kawanabe Kyōsai.

125.1995#detail06#M Itaya Hiroharu Night procession of the hundred demons (Hyakki yagyo) c1860 (detail) handscroll; ink and colour on paper 29.5 x 600 cm Art Gallery New South Wales, Asian Collection Benefactors Fund 1995

Jenni Carter, AGNSW

SID72999#3#M Utagawa Kuniyoshi Mitsukuni defies the skeleton spectre conjured up by Princess Takiyasha 1845—1846 woodblock triptych print triptych 36.9 x 74.2 cm

Donated by American Friends of the British Museum from the collection of Prof Arthur R Miller