Los Angeles
Ayako Ishiguro’s “Powerful” is included in the exhibit at Japan House Los Angeles. (photo courtesy of Japan House)

Japan House Los Angeles has announced the North American debut of its fall exhibition “Wave-New Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts” on display from Sept. 18 through Nov 28.

Based on a popular art exhibition titled “Wave” held annually in Tokyo at Arts Chiyod, Japan House Los Angeles’s exhibit presents work by 55 contemporary Japanese artists. Their creations for books, magazines, comics, animation, posters and other media extend beyond well-known manga and anime styles and represent a diverse and expressive art scene little known outside Japan.

Curated by artists Kintaro Takahashi and Hiro Sugiyama, whose work is also featured, the touring exhibition begins in Los Angeles before traveling to Sao Paulo and London.

“There is much interest in manga and anime around the world, but there’s also an expanding, innovative graphic art scene only known in Japan with many artists that bridge the worlds of illustration, animation, commercial art and fine art,” Takahashi and Sugiyama said. “We are very happy to share this rich and exciting world of Japanese graphic art with the people of Los Angeles and the United States.”

The exhibition introduces work by artists ranging from veteran professional illustrators, such as Teruhiko Yumura, Akira Uno and Keiichi Tanaami, to young artists like Masanori Ushiki, Jenny Kaori, Yusuke Hanai, Jun Oson and Mayu Yukishita.

“Graphic art and illustration have a long history in Japan dating back to 12th century painted picture scrolls. This history in detail-oriented graphic art is still a vibrant force in Japanese culture today,” said Yuko Kaifu, president of Japan House Los Angeles. “We’re pleased to bring this broad selection of works to an international audience for the first time, to showcase today’s Japanese illustrators and graphic artists and to continue to create new inspiration for the artists of tomorrow.”

The exhibition will also include related programs to be announced. Admission is free and walk-ins are invited. The gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 6801 Hollywood Blvd. For information, visit japanhousela.com.