Recently, Sotheby’s is holding an online contemporary art auction titled “Contemporary Showcase: Otaku Redux,” with the theme of “Otaku Redux,” bringing collectors a variety of contemporary art pieces with manga, digital animation, and popular culture symbols!
Otaku generally refers to abnormally enthusiastic anime fans, and the public usually labels these people who worship a certain popular visual culture negatively. However, the cultural significance of otaku is actually more profound than we imagine. Over the past 30 years, the image of “otaku” culture has gradually changed, and being obsessed with a hobby is no longer disparaged. Instead, more and more people are starting to appreciate their focus on things they love, and are advocating for the positive reputation of “otaku”.
The contemporary otaku culture is not a phenomenon unique to Japan, but rather a precursor to postmodern consumerism. The otaku-style expression is a response to events that have changed the world and shaped different generations. Some of the items in this auction, such as Philip Colbert’s paintings, transform themselves into lobsters and pay homage to the Tokyo Olympics through his created surreal utopian world, as well as paying tribute to predecessors Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. We can see that many of the themes in the works reflect elements of popular culture, and viewers can seemingly perceive the artist’s various feelings about the world from the paintings.
Cute characters in anime are an important part of otaku culture, so we can see that many of these artworks are themed around “kawaii” characters. Facing sweet and cute, or pitiful and innocent expressions, actually reflects the creators’ desire to regain a youthful mindset.
The world of animation is full of mysterious supernatural elements, as seen in Matías Sánchez’s thick oil paintings of a bizarrely exaggerated character grinning, looking eerie yet whimsically amusing. August Vilella’s creation of large-eyed spiritual beings roam through his surreal landscapes reminiscent of Grimm fairy tales, strange and peculiar yet endearing.
In addition to artworks, this online auction also features many products in collaboration with art. The most eye-catching lot in this auction includes KAWS’ “Packaging Painting” “Untitled” (Original Fake series). And Takashi Murakami, founder and lead artist of Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd., teamed up with luxury brand Off-White’s founder Virgil Abloh to create a collaborative work that sparks conversations across different sectors of contemporary art and culture.
When society is currently enthusiastically pursuing street art, it often overlooks the fact that otaku and street artists have many similarities. Both emphasize cultural elements such as comics, digital animation, popular culture symbols, vibrant images, monsters, and rebellious behavior. If you are interested in exploring otaku culture, why not participate in this “flash” online auction presented by Sotheby’s? The auction runs from now until September 21, so be sure to seize the opportunity!
Image source and learn more: Sotheby’s
