LeBasse Project, with the help of Bubble Punch, hosted the opening reception of Dev Loka, a collection of painting by renowned Japanese artist, Yoshitaka Amano. The main event, besides the artwork (of course!), was a contest for people in costumes inspired by Amano’s artwork. For those in the dark, Amano is well known for his work on Vampire Hunter D and Final Fantasy, which ties him to the world of anime and cosplay.
The party ended up becoming particularly colorful that night!
I arrived early before the gallery became too crowded. My boyfriend and I got to enjoy viewing Amano’s collection leisurely. The style of the collection is a great deviation from his usual work that he is known for. His illustrations are usually very detailed and raw– lines are visible throughout the composition as if he never bothered to erase the pencil sketch beneath the colors. Dev Loka, on the other hand, showcases a much “simpler” style. I don’t want to throw the word ‘simple’ around too much and and sell him short, but to me, Amano mixes the new  generation of computer generated style with a nostalgic feeling of older anime styles and characters. There is a certain clarity to these paintings, and a sudden clear-cut quality compared to his more popular pieces in the past. Perhaps it just goes to say that Amano accomplished complexity in his compositions in a style deceivingly simple to look at.
I have mixed feelings about the collection of work. Half of them I am partial to, and half of them left me with an unimpressed feeling. Either way, all of them had glittered background… and I admit… that won me over. Amano rocked the glitter and it made me happy to look at the artwork inside the gallery!
Alongside Amano’s work was a sculpted installation by Yoskay Amano. I love the little pathway that guides you through the “tears” hanging from the ceiling and the creatures forming from the ground. Disturbing and whimsical at the same time.
The cosplayers were also great, of course! It’s always more fun when people are dressed up for these events.
You can view the rest of my photos at my flickr gallery!
