If you would like to experience the eclectic styles of art that Japan has to offer, then you should venture out to the Pacific Asian Museum and see the painter Gajin Fujita's contemporary art. It resembles a style of street art that mixes classic Samurai caricatures with the funk of a tag artist-style. Being from Boyle Heights, Fujita's fused style screams with bold in-your-face colors and images as you enter his exhibit. These pictures would be amazing visuals to share with students. Be sure to make time to stop by the exhibit; it will last until October.
This is a great exhibit to take students to to see the way that cultures can mix and create new media. Much in the way that music becomes a mixture of all genres, the artwork has blended the street art of Los Angeles and the more traditional Japanese art. I'm sure it will catch the eye of many students with it's bright colors and fascinating remixing.
I agree - a great place to take students. This museum is one our school regularly takes our students to for history field trips. I joined them on the last one and found that the museum is quaint and welcoming. It's a great place to take students who are new to Asia culture or have little experience with it. It's a small enough place that it's not intimidating or overwhelming for students. The art is inspiring and Fujita's art will interest students and help them connect to the art and the culture.
There are two free and interesting Family Festival opportunities offered in October. The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is on 10/7/12 from 12-6pm. What Do People Wear? is on 10/21/12 at 12-4pm. Both festivals are free.
I went to the free museum day with my wife and two girls ages 4 and 6. My two girls had a great time listening to Chinese folk tales and making Pakistani block prints, flower headdresses, paper slippers, and beaded necklaces. We also had the opportunity to sample various Pakistani treats. The first was a fried treat whose name escapes me. The second was called alichula. It is made of garbonza beans, tamarind, and potatoes. It had a nice tangy sense due to the tamarind. We also got to see a Kimono fashion show as well as a Pakistani fashion show. We spent about two hours at the event and I think that it would be a wonderful experience for the familes of our students. They would be able to see up close and in person the rich heritage of various Asian cultures.
Here is a picture of the fried treat
Here is a picture of the alichula that I tried.
Two pictures from the fashion show
I have not been to the museum in many years. I am sorry that I missed the art exhibit. I would have liked to seen it. I am well acquainted with the fusion of traditional art and the new mexican american artist and would have liked to have seen this other point of view of art.