Santa Ana, California, November 29, 2023 — The Bowers Museum is delighted to announce the opening of a ground-breaking exhibition, Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form. Running from March 9, 2024, to September 8, 2024, this immersive exhibition offers a premier collection of
original Asian comics artwork and is the most comprehensive of its kind to date.
original Asian comics artwork and is the most comprehensive of its kind to date.
A Journey Through Time and Imagination
The exhibition provides a vibrant exploration of the art of comics and visual storytelling across the vast continent of Asia. Visitors will embark on a chronological journey from the historical beginnings of this unique art form to the most recent digital advances. While the ubiquitous Japanese manga takes center stage, the exhibition extends its scope beyond, showcasing key creators, iconic characters, and major publications from across the continent.
From the whimsical tales of folklore, powerful accounts of history and intimate memoirs to raw expressions of freedom, the exhibition offers a spectrum of narratives. This is complemented by the works of renowned creators like Osamu Tezuka, Miyako Maki, Hur Young Man, and Lat. Moreover, the exhibition amplifies the voices of genre innovators and lesser-known artists like Abhishek Singh and Miki Yamamoto. Visitors will also gain insights into how these comics have permeated other forms of media and pop culture, including cinema, animation, fashion, music, and video games.
Dr. Seán O’Harrow, Director of the Bowers Museum, states, "This exhibition not only celebrates the artistry of comics but also emphasizes their role in preserving culture, history, and personal stories. We are thrilled to provide our visitors a window into this captivating world and another entry point for exploring world cultures.”
Unprecedented Collaboration
Formerly titled Mangasia: Wonderlands of Asian Comics, this exhibition has already toured in France and Italy, but makes its North American debut at Bowers Museum. This monumental exhibition has been meticulously curated by Paul Gravett, in close collaboration with a diverse team of over twenty international advisors. With more than 500 featured works, including delicate Japanese woodblock prints, intricate Hindu scroll paintings, digital media wonders, mass-produced comics, and contemporary illustrations, Asian Comics stands as the most extensive collection of artworks from the continent ever.
The exhibition provides a vibrant exploration of the art of comics and visual storytelling across the vast continent of Asia. Visitors will embark on a chronological journey from the historical beginnings of this unique art form to the most recent digital advances. While the ubiquitous Japanese manga takes center stage, the exhibition extends its scope beyond, showcasing key creators, iconic characters, and major publications from across the continent.
From the whimsical tales of folklore, powerful accounts of history and intimate memoirs to raw expressions of freedom, the exhibition offers a spectrum of narratives. This is complemented by the works of renowned creators like Osamu Tezuka, Miyako Maki, Hur Young Man, and Lat. Moreover, the exhibition amplifies the voices of genre innovators and lesser-known artists like Abhishek Singh and Miki Yamamoto. Visitors will also gain insights into how these comics have permeated other forms of media and pop culture, including cinema, animation, fashion, music, and video games.
Dr. Seán O’Harrow, Director of the Bowers Museum, states, "This exhibition not only celebrates the artistry of comics but also emphasizes their role in preserving culture, history, and personal stories. We are thrilled to provide our visitors a window into this captivating world and another entry point for exploring world cultures.”
Unprecedented Collaboration
Formerly titled Mangasia: Wonderlands of Asian Comics, this exhibition has already toured in France and Italy, but makes its North American debut at Bowers Museum. This monumental exhibition has been meticulously curated by Paul Gravett, in close collaboration with a diverse team of over twenty international advisors. With more than 500 featured works, including delicate Japanese woodblock prints, intricate Hindu scroll paintings, digital media wonders, mass-produced comics, and contemporary illustrations, Asian Comics stands as the most extensive collection of artworks from the continent ever.
Paul Gravett, Barbican Guest Curator, comments, “I'm very excited to bring the Asian Comics exhibition to the Bowers Museum. The diverse communities of Southern California are the ideal audience for this multitudinous exhibition. The vibrant comics of Asia can bridge cultures and invite us to discover the realities and dreams of their creators and readers.”
Plan Your Visit
The Bowers Museum invites all comic enthusiasts, art lovers, and curious minds to dive into the mesmerizing world of Asian Comics. For tickets, opening hours, and additional information, visit bowers.org/comics.
Plan Your Visit
The Bowers Museum invites all comic enthusiasts, art lovers, and curious minds to dive into the mesmerizing world of Asian Comics. For tickets, opening hours, and additional information, visit bowers.org/comics.
The Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form exhibition is curated and organized by the Barbican Centre.
About Bowers Museum:
Located in Santa Ana, California, Bowers Museum has been enriching lives through the world's finest arts and culture for over 80 years. The museum is committed to promoting education and understanding by bringing the world's great cultural art to the people of Orange County and beyond. Partnering with world-class institutions, Bowers Museum’s featured exhibitions include blockbusters such as Terracotta Warriors; Mummies: Death and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt…Treasures from the British Museum; Lucy's Legacy: The Hidden Treasure of Ethiopia; Holy Land: Dead Sea Scrolls, House of David Inscription; and Guo Pei: Art of Couture. Learn more at bowers.org. Bowers Museum, bringing the world to you.
About Bowers Museum:
Located in Santa Ana, California, Bowers Museum has been enriching lives through the world's finest arts and culture for over 80 years. The museum is committed to promoting education and understanding by bringing the world's great cultural art to the people of Orange County and beyond. Partnering with world-class institutions, Bowers Museum’s featured exhibitions include blockbusters such as Terracotta Warriors; Mummies: Death and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt…Treasures from the British Museum; Lucy's Legacy: The Hidden Treasure of Ethiopia; Holy Land: Dead Sea Scrolls, House of David Inscription; and Guo Pei: Art of Couture. Learn more at bowers.org. Bowers Museum, bringing the world to you.
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