The fabled characters of Pokémon like Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard and their various forms have been celebrated and recontextualized countless times in their roughly 25 year history. During that time, the series has become a medium through which Japanese pop culture is disseminated across the globe. However, at a new Pokémon Crafts exhibition in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 20 Japanese artists both established and up-and-coming are reimagining the characters through traditional craftsmanship, or kogei.
On display at the National Crafts Museum and open now until June 11, the exhibition sees 70 Pokémon characters transformed into ceramics, figurines, ornaments and other artisanal creations. With the five elements of Pokémon being fire, air, water, earth and void, viewers are invited to consider how these raw materials have been channeled to bring together the works of art before them. Befittingly, some of the character are even styled with kimonos, further reconnecting them with traditional Japanese culture.
There are multiple ways for visitors to enjoy the exhibition, including audio guides and self guides which break down how the pieces came together as well as the origins of the respective Pokémon characters.
Elsewhere in art, Walid Shaharul is preparing to showcase his latest exhibit called “Through the Looking Glass.”
National Crafts Museum
3-2 Dewamachi, Kanazawa
Ishikawa 920-0963, Japan
