Get Your Manga Here! LA Art Show Highlights Japanese Art

Hiroshi Mori Prayer (2013). Tokyo gallery Kinoshu Kikaku will present a solo exhibition at the LA Art Show, titled “Oh My Goodness.” Photo: Courtesy Kinosho Kikaku Gallery, Tokyo

As the LA Art Show gears up for its 20th-anniversary edition (January 15–18), fair organizers have announced a special focus on Japanese art, with an emphasis on pop surrealism and manga. This year’s outing, featuring more than 120 exhibitors from 22 countries, boasts the “largest grouping of Japanese galleries outside of Asia.” Participating dealers will offer solo exhibitions of Manga artist Hiroshi Mori, Mizuho Koyama, Masae Kato, Maiko Kitagawa, and Kaori Tamura. As in past years, the fair takes place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, in downtown L.A.

Among the fair’s exhibitors are, from Tokyo, Tamei Gallery, Mizoe Art Gallery, Gallery Kitai, Niche Gallery, Kinoshu Kikau, Silver Shell and the Tolman Collection. Hailing from Osaka are Watanabe Fine Art and Tachibana Gallery.

On Friday, January 16, the fair will present a panel discussion on Japanese art, moderated by Matt Kennedy. It will feature four artists who are being showcased at the fair and who will talk about Japanese contemporary art and their own individual influences: Tamie Okuyama, Toshimitsu Ito, Akira Omori, and Maiko Kitigawa.