:: ARTS & EVENTS

Chinese Graphic Design Exhibition

The cream of works is presented from two award winning poster exhibitions that were held this year in China. A glimpse of a rapidly transforming China is caught in the form of posters.

until 12/25
DDD Gallery
Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00 (closed national holidays)
Tel: 06-6347-8780

Vom Sofakissen zum Stadtebau - Hermann Muthesius und Der Deutsche Werkbund: Modern Design in Germany1900-1927

What came before the Bauhaus ﾑ the monumental design movement that taught fusion of art, design, architechture, and industrial crafts? The furniture, ceramics, metal works, glass, and textile works of Hermann Muthesius, who was influenced by a stay in Tokyo, and his colleagues provides an illuminatory insight.

until12/23
The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
Tue-Sun 9:30-17:00 (open 12/23)
\830 (students \450)
Tel: 075-761-4111
www.momak.go.jp

The World of Michael Ende

Michael Ende was born in Germany in 1929, the son of a surrealist painter who was persecuted by the Nazis. Michael himself deserted the army when called up in 1945. He spent several years as an actor and critic before finding his forte as a novelist, penning such classics as Momo, and international best-selling children's fantasy The Neverending Story (that was later made into a hit movie). This exhibition looks at all aspects of his life and works.

until12/8
Shibunkaku Museum
Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00
\900 (students \700, \500)
Tel: 075-751-1777
www.shibunkaku.co.jp/bijutsukan/index.html

Special Exhibition: Rembrandt

The fourty-three oil paintings in this show represent every period of the Dutch master brush-wielder's adult life, from his earliest, more dynamic and detailed canvases, to his later, more soulful and contemplative pieces. The collection includes a range of portraits, including several self-portraits, as well as a variety of other subjects, from the Baptism of a Eunuch to the Blinding of Samson.

until 1/13
Kyoto National Museum
Tue-Thu & Sun 09:30-18:00, Fri & Sat 09:30-20:00 (12/26-1/3 09:30-18:00)
\1500 (students \1000, \400)
Tel: 075-541-1151
http://www.kyohaku.go.jp

136s of YUMING and Illustrations

Yumi Matsutoya (a.k.a. Yuming) is a famous singer known for songs that remind us of our youth. This year a project has been organised to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her debut. 136 illustrators from the Tokyo Illustrators Society have contributed, each having made a piece inspired by one of her songs.

(Correction: Matsutoya, not Matsuoka as was in the print versoin of KS. Thanks to Aaron Weinkauf for pointing out this mistake)

12/10-12/18 (Kyoto)
12/20-12/28 (Kobe)
DoCoMo Mobile Media Lab, Kyoto 10:00-19:00
12/20-12/28 (Kobe)
DoCoMo Mobile Media Lab, Kobe
Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat 10:00-17:00 (closed national holidays)

KenMai's Butoh World

Progressive butoh dancer and zazen practitioner KenMai originally trained in gymastics, martial arts, acting and drumming, but then moved into dance under such luminary guidance as that of Otaya Eguchi and Kazuo Ono, and became a member of the group SubRosa. He has since performed solo and in collaboration with numerous musicians and ensembles around the world, notably in Europe, including an appearance at Peter Gabriel's world music WOMAD festival in the UK. An exhibition of photos of KenMai in action will be accompanied by a performance and party on Friday 6th December.

12/3-22 (exhibition) 12/6 (party)
Gallery B-Life Cafe, Kyoto
Mon-Sat 12:00-16:00
Tel: 075-241-7803
Solo Butoh Show and Dance Party: 12/6 21:00-05:00
\2000 w/1 drink (free after 11pm)