Among the most overlooked forms of art hiding in plain sight are political caricatures. Whether you look to the daily illustrations embedded in the newspapers of the world, or the subtly cheeky line art that graces the pages of magazines like The New Yorker, political illustration remains a part of a modern art world that regularly takes contemporary subjects of the world’s governing bodies and indelibly paints a picture of history on our mind’s eye.
Along those lines comes the work of Dutch artist Mathias and his new show “All About Democracy.” This first-time exhibition of the artist’s work is currently being shown at Tokyo’s cutting-edge Diesel Denim Gallery in Aoyama.
Although Mathias has a strong hand in terms of rendering likenesses of some of the most famous political figures on the planet, his ironic sending up of some of those figures can range from the humorous to the profane.
While his approach is politically unambiguous if you read between the brush strokes, his main focus seems to be shock and awe. One work has Hitler peacefully picking oranges, while another shows the Pope maniacally laughing as he cradles the prone body of Jesus. In the realm of politics, we’re treated to such odd images as President Obama sitting at his desk sorting paperwork while The Joker (circa Heath Ledger, “The Dark Knight”) peeks through a nearby window waving the American flag. Treading the other side of the beltway the artist shows former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin happily gambling at a table with former President Bush.
Back in the realm of pop, the artist gives us a look at legendary Hollywood actor Humphrey Bogart confessing – while pouring a drink – to the Pope, who sits once again laughing and smoking a cigarette. To be sure, this is not an exhibition for non-adults, or those with sensitive tastes in the areas of politics or religion. While Mathias is no Andy Warhol, this exhibit is definitely geared towards an audience more interested in spirited debate surrounding the major issues of our time rather than those seeking passive consumption of the visually exquisite.
The Diesel Denim Gallery will run “All About Democracy” until January 31, 2010. Hours are 1pm to 8pm daily. Address: 2F, 6-3-3 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
Tel: +81-3-6418-5323.
Diesel Denim Gallery
