Japan Goes Deco ** Ticket Giveaway**

A modern girl walks into an art museum…

Part of the MostMetro team recently had the privilege of attending a guided tour of the newest exhibit at Dayton Art Institute. Dr. Aimee Marcereau lead the tour and explained in rich detail the highlights of Deco Japan: Shaping Art and Culture. Between the two World Wars, Japan entered into a time of jazz, leisure travel, nationalism and the emergence of “the modern girl”, the privately owned collection on display through January 25th, 2015 showcases the art created during this time period.

The art deco period drew inspiration from many sources internationally. You will notice long, lean lines, and simplistic forms. Upon closer inspection, subtle details emerge that show an attention to detail unmatched in many other time periods. Dr. Marcereau noted, “It simultaneously maintained one foot in tradition and yet also celebrated the mechanized, modern world. Art deco’s bold colors and streamlined, yet muscular, forms celebrating progress were often deeply nationalistic, and Japan embraced the style enthusiastically, as the combination of visual strength operated in support of Japan’s expanding empire.”

Nicole Nett– Big bold colors, clean lines, and a view into a new way of life was the focus of the over 200 pieces in this carefully curated exhibit. As you enter the first room, take note of the background music. It’s not just your everyday ambient Muzak, but rather, Japanese jazz music which was becoming prevalent during this time period. The dichotomy between the obvious traditional influences and the touches of the Western world is what makes this exhibit so unique. Ancient imagery with Mad Men-esque touches.

Lisa Grigsby – Lions and bears peacocks and rabbits and flying fish.  Not what I expected to see in DecoJapan.  But the exhibit was broader in scope and beautifully blended tradition with innovation, and was chock full of symbolism that was beautifully explained by curator Aimee Marcereau DeGalan, the DAI’s curator of collections and exhibitions.

Kim Metter –  The exhibit was well presented, giving several examples using various media to represent the subject matter. The use of textiles, metals, pottery, prints and paintings were a diverse and beautiful way to show the movement and progressive nature of Japan at that time. The homage to the European and American Art Deco movements were apparent, but the Japanese influence could still be clearly seen in the craftsmanship and classic techniques used by Asian artisans for millennia.

Brian Petro – It is an incredible show, and one any Art Deco lover should go and explore. Seeing how the Japanese interpreted the deco movement and ultimately made it their own is fascinating. The clean simple lines are amazing, and the Japanese sensibilities really shine through.

Museum Hours:

TUESDAY	11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
WEDNESDAY	11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
THURSDAY	11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
FRIDAY	11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
SATURDAY	10 a.m. – 5 p.m
SUNDAY	Noon – 5 p.m.

Admission to the Museum:  Members: Free, Adults: $12, (60+): $9, Students (18+ w/ID) & Active Military: $9, Groups (10 or more): $9, Ages 7-17: $6, Ages 6 & under: Free  * Price includes admission to the special exhibition and the museum’s permanent collection. Please note that a $2 per transaction fee will be added to all ticket sales for building Preservation and Art Conservation.

DMM Ticket Giveaway:

DMM wants to share our delight with this visual feast by sending some of our readers to see this exhibit.  To enter our random drawing, fill out the form below and leave us a comment on why we should pick you!

Congrats to our ticket winners: Lauren Queen, Josh Reck and Ryburn Yukik Ryburn- enjoy the show!