2. For the Exhibition “POKÉMON × KOGEI”
What would happen when Pokémon meets kogei (craft)? It was with such anticipation and excitement that we visited Crafts Gallery, the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (now the National Crafts Museum, Kanazawa) in the fall of 2019. Kogei in Japan has evolved with the times and artists’ explorations, while continuing the aesthetics and skills passed down over generations. Calling on the artists to take on Pokémon, we wanted to ignite their creativity. It was also our hope that the chemistry between art and Pokémon would generate a rich experience that many people might enjoy. After three and a half years, it is our great pleasure to present “epic battles” with Pokémon, brought to life by 20 of Japan’s leading contemporary artists.
Some of the artists grew up playing Pokémon, while others were new to its world. For the first time in a while—some with the help of their families and students—they played the latest video games and developed their understanding and love of Pokémon by poring over the Pokédex. The moment this turned into creative motivation, the pace quickly picked up. Ideas began to bubble up, and through repeated sketches, discussions, and prototyping, artwork production proceeded. Ceramics, lacquerwork, woodwork, metalwork, dyeing, weaving… Kogei includes a wide variety of materials and techniques, and each artist has a unique approach and expression. We invite you to look and feel how the 20 artists interpreted Pokémon and experience the beauty and skill they applied to it.
The Pokémon Company
Some of the artists grew up playing Pokémon, while others were new to its world. For the first time in a while—some with the help of their families and students—they played the latest video games and developed their understanding and love of Pokémon by poring over the Pokédex. The moment this turned into creative motivation, the pace quickly picked up. Ideas began to bubble up, and through repeated sketches, discussions, and prototyping, artwork production proceeded. Ceramics, lacquerwork, woodwork, metalwork, dyeing, weaving… Kogei includes a wide variety of materials and techniques, and each artist has a unique approach and expression. We invite you to look and feel how the 20 artists interpreted Pokémon and experience the beauty and skill they applied to it.
The Pokémon Company