Author: Keith Aiken
Source: PARCO Co., Ltd. press release
Official Event Site: https://art.parco.jp/galleryx/detail/?id=1213
Photo courtesy of PARCO. © TOHO CO., LTD.
PARCO Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) is hosting the "GODZILLA THE ART by PARCO" exhibition at GALLERY X BY PARCO on the B1F of Shibuya PARCO through Monday, May 15, 2023.
This exhibit launches the art project "GODZILLA THE ART," a series of events running into 2024 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the birth of Godzilla. Under the supervision of anatomist Takeshi Yoro, contemporary artists and creators from various fields will express Godzilla with their own sensibilities. As the first phase, "GODZILLA THE ART by PARCO" features Japanese artist Isamu Gakiya and Korean artist NOH Sangho, displaying their interpretations of Godzilla.
Various other projects are also in the works, so please check back with SciFi Japan for further announcements.
■ "GODZILLA THE ART by PARCO" Exhibition Outline
Photo courtesy of PARCO. © TOHO CO., LTD.
Dates: Thursday, April 27, 2023 - Monday, May 15, 2023
Venue: GALLERY X BY PARCO (Shibuya PARCO B1F / 15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Participating Artists: Isamu Gakiya / NOH Sangho
Hours: 11:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m. *Admission until 30 minutes before closing time *Closes at 6:00 p.m. on the last day
Admission: 500円 (Approximately $3.66 U.S., Tax Included) *Pre-school children free
Organizer: PARCO
Cooperation: TOHO / Asahi Shimbun / Kin Akiu
Logo Design: Kazunari Kitagawa (GRAPH)
■ Collaborating Artists
Photo courtesy of PARCO. © TOHO CO., LTD.
Isamu Gakiya. Photo courtesy of PARCO.
● Isamu Gakiya (aka gakiokui*mu)
Isamu Gakiya is an illustrator and artist who participates in museum exhibitions and art festivals. Born and raised in Okinawa and affected by the traces of American culture remaining in Okinawa, the images he creates evoke the world of postwar American horror and science fiction films and American comic books. His works span various times and places and reflects a mature modern society, where people live amidst a myriad of values and a plethora of conflicting information.
https://www.instagram.com/guinea_mate_gaki/
Photo courtesy of PARCO. © TOHO CO., LTD.
NOH Sangho. Photo courtesy of PARCO.
● NOH Sangho （ノ・サンホ）
After graduating from Hongik University, a famous art university in Korea, NOH Sangho has exhibited his works in solo and joint exhibitions. He has created album cover illustrations for the popular Korean rock band HYUKOH.
https://www.instagram.com/nemonannet/
Godzilla 1954 statue. Photo courtesy of PARCO. © TOHO CO., LTD.
■ Exhibits
In addition to artworks by the collaborating artists, a statue of the 1954 Godzilla and a diorama are on display in this exhibition.
Photo courtesy of PARCO. © TOHO CO., LTD.
Photo courtesy of PARCO. © TOHO CO., LTD.
■ Event Exclusve Collectible
● GODZILLA THE ART - Limited Movie Monster Series: Godzilla (1954) Model (ムービーモンスターシリーズゴジラ(1954)雛形, Mūbī Monsutā Shirīzu Gojira (1954) Hinagata)
A Bandai limited edition Movie Monster Series: Godzilla (1954) Model figure is being sold exclusively at this event. The first Godzilla prototype was sculpted by Toho designer Teizo Toshimitsu to determine the look of the original Godzilla. At this stage of pre-production, Godzilla's body was designed to look as if it were covered with scales, which was different from the widely known Godzilla of today. This figure looks back to the very origins of Godzilla.
Price: 4,620円 (Approximately $33.81 U.S., Tax Included)
*The image is a prototype and may differ from the actual product.
About PARCO Co., Ltd.
About Toho
Toho Company, Limited, is a Japanese entertainment studio focused on the development, production, exhibition, and distribution of powerful live action and animated content including motion pictures, television and theater. Founded in 1932, Toho remains a prominent force in bringing brands and original storytelling with versatile talents to audiences worldwide. Its subsidiaries include Toho Cinemas, the highest grossing exhibition company in Japan, and Toho International, Inc., a U.S. established incorporated company that manages and commercializes Toho’s intellectual property portfolio. To learn more, visit toho.co.jp/en.