Zombies in the Graveyard

Artist Chiho Aoshima (Tokyo, Japan, born 1974)

Date2001

Mediumphotographic print on photographic paper

ClassificationsPhotographs

Dimensions100 x 138cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 2004 with support from the National Collecting Scheme for Scotland and the National Fund for Acquisitions.

LocationOn Display - Gallery 01

Object numberABDAG014302

Keywords

About MeInternationally acclaimed Japanese artist Chiho Aoshima combines computer-based digital illustration and the stylistic conventions of 18th-Century Japanese prints to create distinctive images that are both controversial and beguiling. A central influence on her is the vibrant, disturbing world of Japanese manga cartoons, where enthusiasts are lured into a magical world that is divorced from reality.

In this work Aoshima's cute girls populate a mythical, eerie graveyard. Their elongated, ghost-like figures drift aimlessly, emitting speech bubbles with inane statements. The bizarre contrast of levity and gratuitous violence has clear parallels with contemporary movies such as Quentin Tarantino's infamous 'Kill Bill 1' which was also inspired by the strange and surreal world of manga.

For more information on how this work was acquired see https://casconsultancy.org/objects/zombies-graveyard-2001.
More About Me

Collections Wall

A common element of manga art is that of "kawaiisa" or cuteness. Can you see elements of kawaiisa in this picture? Do you think it is effective?

Exhibitions

Human Presence

Gallery 01 - Collecting Art