Photos courtesy of artists
Geta by artist Fudemae of Japan feature delicate white butterflies and a ghostly profile set against a lacquered black background.
Newz of Mexico, painted intricately detailed geta with Japanese-inspired mountain scenes for the exhibition.
Artist Scribe, who was born in Denver, Colorado, but currently lives in Kansas City, Mo., elaborated on the ordinary shape of geta to create whimsical fundoshi-clad rhinos.
Galo Canote aka LoveGalo
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Traditional Japanese geta are transformed into art during “Karan Koron,” a geta art exhibition at Melt Gallery in Los Angeles, which runs now through Sunday, June 17, and features creations by roughly 80 artists from Los Angeles, Japan and Mexico.
“This is four days to witness some amazing artwork by fantastic artists. You basically have to catch it now, or miss it forever,” said the show’s curator, Galo “Make” Canote, an internationally recognized Los Angeles-born graffiti artist, who titled the show after the unmistakable “clacking” sound made when walking with getas.
What began as an idea Canote entertained for some time out of a love and respect for Japanese culture has grown into an event that crosses the boundaries of geography and culture. Participants include emerging artists, local and underground artists, legendary graffiti artists and students and lecturers of Musashino Art University in Japan. Each was given freedom to “do whatever they wanted with getas,” the Japanese footwear traditionally worn with kimonos or yukatas (light cotton kimonos), and the outcome varies from painted works to sculpted, carved and drawn-on masterpieces that reflect the artists’ unique sensibilities.
“Initially I wanted to do an uchiwa (Japanese fans) show,” said Canote, who jokingly describes himself as yamato damashii (of Japanese spirit) and says he has been fascinated with Japanese culture from a young age. “I decided geta were a little stronger and more compelling because they are more traditional. Fans are cross-global. The Chinese have fans, Mexico has fans. … Geta are more traditionally identified as Japanese artifacts.”
The four-day event for artists, serious buyers, collectors and art enthusiasts began on Thursday night, with an opening reception that unveiled geta splashed with vibrant colors, intricate detailing and distinctive urban flair. Atmospheric music by DJs Japson, Yotah and Ichi added a soundtrack to the evening, and live art performances by artists like Nana Satake and Koji Iijima, who is known for his famous fire-breathing Iron Dog (Tetsu Inu), drew crowds. This event is sponsored by Asahi Beer, Yaegaki Sake, Calpico, Tokyo-Drive, Popkiller, GarouGarou, Melt Comics and others.
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Melt Gallery, 7522 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, is open Monday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. “Karan Koron: A Geta Art Exhibition” runs now through Sunday, June 17. For a list of participating artists or more information, visit www.meltcomics.com, call the gallery at (323) 851-7223, email meltgallery@meltcomics.com or contact Galo “Make” Canote at (323) 497-2916 or makeonestn@hotmail.com. |
