Reality Bonsai : Animism and science-fiction as a blueprint for media art in contemporary Japan

Arrighi, Mauro. (2018). Reality Bonsai : Animism and science-fiction as a blueprint for media art in contemporary Japan. Masters thesis, Solent University.

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Abstract

Based on the research carried out for my previous publication* and recent research, I am proposing that animism and science-fiction, as communicated via manga and anime, function as the primary sources for Japan’s Media Art. In this thesis, my primary objective is to analyse the historical and theoretical frameworks that inform Japanese Media Art, focusing, in particular, on the influence of religion, folklore and science-fiction, manga, anime and otaku subculture.(1) All of which, the thesis argues, has influenced Japanese artists since 2000; many of whom have produced works ranging from video, animation, interactive installation and live performance. In particular, my thesis will argue that there is a relationship between Shinto, the indigenous spirituality of the Japanese people, science-fictions themes and today’s Japanese Media Art. * Arrighi, M. 2011. Japanese Spell in Electronic Art My theoretical research led to and was complemented by practice-based art works. These took the form of a video installation and a short film, both of which related to my theoretical research in the following ways. They were both informed by synthesizing the findings obtained from my academic research and referenced themes that were addressed by the Japanese Media artists featured in this investigation. The aesthetic parameters of the artworks intentionally resemble the anime and films referenced in the academic part of this study. Through the process of imitating certain visual traits and themes found in the referenced works I gained an in-depth awareness of the narrative choices made by certain Japanese Media Artists. My creative output enabled me to further test, whilst also maintaining my individuality as an artist and author, the hypothesis that their work is underpinned by a fusion of references to animism and science-fiction. Footnote: (1) Otaku is a Japanese term for people with obsessive interests, commonly the anime and manga fandom. Anime is a Japanese term for hand-drawn, computer-generated and mixed techniques animation. Manga are comics in print or screen created in Japan of which style has been developed in Japan in the late 19th century.

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