The 13th (2009) Art division Grand Prize “growth modeling device” David BowenBowen

The 13th (2009) Art division Grand Prize “growth modeling device” by David Bowen is a dynamic installation in which growing onion is measured, 3D scanned, modeled and copied with 3D printer in real time. The presence of onion is very strong, the bud of onion is livery growing, and the movement of the device is analogue. Actual 3D archiving itself is digitalized and artistically expressed. This system plays roles of observer and creator, and creates a living and changing object that is automatically and limitedly projected. Through the simple laser’s eyes, it changes organic thing to copy work that won’t be able to bear fruit. In other words, it seems trying to reproduce nature with industrial material.

The 14th (2010) Art division Excellence Prize “NIGHT LESS” Yuichiro Tamura

The 14th (2010) Art division Excellence Prize “NIGHT LESS” by Yuichiro Tamura is a road movie made only with images of Google street view. The first half is recorded with the artist’s voice and he uses sound and voice of YouTube in the latter half. The view on the screen shows Nebraska, Chiba, Alaska, Portugal, Marseille and it keeps going over the countries and making stories. The story never has night. After the character of street view, which is not allowed to film at night, it’s titled “NIGHT LESS”. Is the film made without filming a real film? Looking at matter-of-fact changing views makes us think like that.

The 17th (2013) Manga division Grand Prize “JOJOLION -Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Part8-” Hirohiko Araki

The 17th (2013) Manga division Grand Prize “JOJOLION -Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Part8-” by Hirohiko Araki series begins with the story of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Set in Moriou-cho in City S, Prefecture M, a young boy is discovered on land that was formed by the seismic upheaval during the earthquake. Suffering from amnesia, he calls himself Johsuke Higashikata and sets out to discover his identity.
Addition to the detailed story and battle by “stand”, which is a concept visualizing supernatural power, suspense is further polished and it attracts many readers.

In the middle of 1990s, when computer and internet were recognized in the world, this festival started. Since then, 20 years, this festival has been introducing various expression of media art that had been influenced by technology development through PC and smart phone, and changing culture and society. The characteristic point of the festival would be that has made Japanese people realize internationally highly rated Japanese animation, manga and works born from pop culture as a new view point “media art”.

As the keyword “change”, the exhibition let us see tendency of award wining works and transition of social condition, technology and media. It will be good chance to think about Japanese media art on the extended line from the exhibition and further the future of worldwide media arts.

Japan Media Arts Festival 20th Anniversary Exhibition – Power to Change
Date: October 15th – November 6th, 2016
Opening hours: 11:00 – 19:00 (Last entry 30 minutes prior to closing)
Main Place: 3331 Arts Chiyoda (6-11-14 Sotokanda Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)

Satellite Places: NTT InterCommunication Center [ICC], UDX THEATER,
 The National Art Center, Tokyo, Chiyoda City’s Hibiya Library & Museum
*Exhibition days and opening hours vary according to venue.
Admission: Free
Host: Japan Media Arts Festival 20th Anniversary Exhibition Executive Committee
Tel: +81 (0)3 3535 3501
jmaf@cgarts.or.jp
https://20anniv.j-mediaarts.jp