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The Huntsville Museum of Art has changed its appearance to highlight a unique exhibit featured in its galleries.  "My Reality: Contemporary Art and the Culture of Japanese Animation" is a traveling exhibition that originated at the Des Moines Art Center.  It will be on display in Huntsville through January 4, 2004.  Huntsville Curator Peter Baldaia says, "To accentuate the cutting-edge spirit of the show, we're treating the galleries in a new way, painting them stark white with bright accent colors and incorporating high-tech equipment like oversized plasma television screens and a state-of-the-art DVD projector."

"My Reality" examines how Japanese animation, or amine, has influenced today's artists.  Eastern and Western artists are featured in the show which emphasizes escape from reality in fantasy and play.  The bright colors and playfulness of the exhibit make it a joyful experience for the whole family.  

Anime first became popular in Japan during the 1960's, when Japan was continuing its economic recovery from WWII and recreating itself as an industrial world power.  Most of anime, and the art it inspires, centers on technology's impact and power--something that Huntsvillians can appreciate!  In 1990, technology helped this form of entertainment gain worldwide notoriety.  The Internet and Japanese videos and books brought anime to American and European audiences.

In connection with this exhibit, the Huntsville Museum of Art will provided guided tours on November 6, December 6 and December 14.  There will be a Family Festival Day featuring Japan on November 16 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.  Admission is free and attendees can learn about Japanese culture; see demonstrations of traditional dances, calligraphy, karate, and the Okinawa drum; view a stunning display of Bonsai; and learn the intricate paper folding craft of origami and other Japanese crafts.  Hayao Miyazaki is considered the "Walt Disney of Japan."  The Museum is hosting a Miyazaki Anime Film Festival on November 20 and December 4 at 6:30 p.m.

This is a unique opportunity for the residents of Huntsville to learn more about Japan art and culture.  Be sure and make plans soon to take your family to this fabulous exhibit.  Take advantage of several of the Museum's educational programs during the run of this show.

Local support for this exhibit has been provided by NASA-Marshall Space Flight Center and the Women's Guild of the Huntsville Museum of Art.  General admission for the Museum is $7 for non-members.  Admission is half-price for non-members on Thursday nights.  The Huntsville Museum of Art is located at 300 Church Street South in Big Spring International Park. Museum hours are 1-5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday with extended hours and Thursday from 5-8 p.m. For more information, call 256-535-4350 or 1-800-786-9095, or visit the Museum’s website at www.hsvmuseum.org.

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		My Reality: Contemporary Art of Japanese Animation

©2003 Jean Brandau, licensed to About.com
Photo ©2003 Jean Brandau, licensed to About.com