Year of the Rabbit: Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo
July 9 – October 30, 2011
For over 25 years, fans around the world have been enjoying Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo. This retrospective exhibition celebrates the work of Sakai and includes original drawings and paintings that bring to life the adventures of his samurai rabbit from 17th century feudal Japan.
Usagi Yojimbo is based on the historical figure Miyamoto Musashi and inspired by Japanese folklore, literature, and film. Heavily researched and rich in detail, Sakai’s storylines mix both humor and drama to tell adventures that include authentic Japanese history and culture in the form of a distinctly American comic book.
With translations in multiple languages, Usagi Yojimbo’s popularity spans many countries and has earned Sakai several awards including the National Cartoonists Society Award, Parents Choice Award, and numerous Eisner Awards.
A new short documentary about Sakai is being developed for the exhibition by the Museum’s award-winning Watase Media Arts Center.
Year of the Labbit Custom Show
July 14 – September 11, 2011
In conjunction with the exhibition, Year of the Rabbit: Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo (July 9 through October 30, 2011), a gathering of artists (new and old friends of the Museum) will work their creative magic on Frank Kozik’s Happy Labbit toy! A special surprise work by Frank Kozik, creator of the Happy Labbit, will be part of the show. Come see the work of your favorite JANM artists!
Participating artists:
Alexandra Gjurasic • Aline Yamada • Ambre Aki Gonzales • Amy Inouye • Betty Wan Hamada • Bevl • Camilla d’Errico • Catherine Brooks • Christina Conway • Dacosta! • Donna Ikkanda • Edwin Ushiro • egg scissors • Emi Motokawa • Frank Kozik • Harmony Gong • James Watts • Jimmy Mirikitani • Joel Nakamura • Julie Bagish • Kathy Yoshihara • Kim Koga • Kip Fulbeck • Koji Harmon • Konatsu • Liane Shih • Lou Pimentel • Margaret Kasahara • Marilyn Frandsen • Mark Nagata • Mark Pilon • Martin Ontiveros • Mike Shinoda • Namiko Sonabe • Nicole DeLeon • Qris Yamashita • Stan Sakai • Stuart Rapeport • Tulip • Yoskay Yamamoto • Zakka • ZOLO
All pieces will be available for sale through the Museum Store.
Location
JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM
369 East First Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
phone: 213.625.0414
fax: 213.625.1770
Mike Shinoda's Contribution
1 Reply to "Upcoming Art Shows: Year Of The Rabbit & Year Of The Labbit"
Year of the Labbit at JANM – Check out my Favourites! « Adiek84's Blog 18. July 2011 (23:21)
[…] “Year of the Labbit” show opened on July 14 at Japanese American National Museum (more info) and while the Labbits by Mike Shinoda, Kip Fulbeck, higashi glaser, and Stan Sakai will be […]