Sebastian Masuda’s First One-Man Exhibit in New York Finally Opens to Huge Acclaim

Sebastian Masuda’s First One-Man Exhibit in New York Finally Opens to Huge Acclaim 0

The widely active Sebastian Masuda––a leader of Harajuku’s kawaii culture, art director, and producer of 6% Dokidoki––has begun his first one-man exhibit, titled “‘Colorful Rebellion’ - Seventh Nightmare,” in New York City. A long line formed outside the venue on Feb. 27 for the opening reception, and after two hours roughly 1,000 people were in attendance. It was such a resounding success the venue was crammed with people and they couldn’t let anyone else in.

As soon as we stepped foot inside the gallery on the third floor of the Art Complex building in Chelsea, our eyes danced around to the objects decorating the walls and ceiling, adding a burst of colors all at once. Wallpaper was even stuck on the backside of the entrance door, as were panels made of curious dolls that looked like they were melting. Every now and again a noise like that of a broken record could be heard in the background. It was a bit dark, and it was dimly lit like a bedroom just before bedtime. As an installation, there was also a large bear plushie and a small mountain of small plushies piled on top of each other. In the middle of the room was an antique bed with sheets that looked like they were from a hospital, and attendees were able to lie in the bed to really appreciate the work. Many people could be seen gasping in surprise of such a hands-on experience.

Attendees ran the gamut and included those in the art, fashion, and culture circles, which showed just how much attention the genre-crossing Sebastian Masuda is receiving. After taking pictures, lying in the bed, and enjoying the exhibit as they pleased, attendees were able to talk with Masuda in the reception area. Many spent time here taking commemorative pictures with the artist and sharing points of view until it was closing time.

The exhibit’s title, “Colorful Rebellion,” has the meaning of “opposing colors” and it is a representative series for Masuda, who thus far has created work that reveals landscape paintings of Harajuku and what the girls who gather there imagine it to look like. This exhibit themed after portraits takes on the motif of “The Seven Sins of Sebastian Masuda.” According to the explanation given in the exhibit, the first zone is “Lust” - a waking dream that is lost at the same moment it is grasped; the second zone is “Future” - hopes and dreams; the third zone is “Delusions” - a complex that expands endlessly; the fourth zone is “Fate” - a muddy stream drawing near; Zone 5 is “Wounds” - trauma that still remains; and Zone 6 is “Reality” - above the rubble of anxiety. Even though there were seven sins, there were only explanations up to number six. This oddity was explained early on by Masuda himself:

“I created this work with the intent of writing a composition. To me, this is the room of someone struggling alone in the middle of the night or a room of repentance. A darkness creeps in from the cracks in the room. An assault by a night that will never turn to morning. It was by no means my intention to express grotesque using kawaii things, rather I depended on the reason behind the process of being fascinated by kawaii things...that is the essence of kawaii. The distortion and strain of the process of a young girl maturing into an adult. The colorful rebellion of girls. Perhaps my highest sin is that I have created a place for girls to belong? Well, this room only has six zones. The seventh I leave up to you.”

At a glance, the space provokes feelings of a colorful and happy room, but by reading the explanations, the atmosphere changes completely. The exhibit is being held now until March 29 at the Kianga Ellis Project art gallery in Chelsea, New York City. There will be special performances in the gallery from March 6-9. If you can, please experience this exhibit that condenses the world of Sebastian Masuda into a small room.

Event Details
Name: Sebastian Masuda’s Exhibition “‘Colorful Rebellion’ - Seventh Nightmare”
Dates and Times: 2/27 to 3/29 Open until 6 p.m. (Closed on Sun, Mon, and Tues. Open on Sunday, March 9 for the performance.)
Location: Kianga Ellis Project
516 West 25th Street, Studio 306B, NY
http://www.kiangaellisprojects.com/

Source: Zigg
photo by GION

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