Narwhal Projects is proud to present the first Canadian exhibition with Japanese master Toshio Saeki. The works presented in this exhibition are comprised of original ink drawings from 1977-1983, and a rare series of fifty silkscreen prints from Saekis 1972 publication Akai Hako The Red Box. Presented in partnership with the Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2014.

Opening Reception:

Thursday, May 8th 2014

7-9pm

Celebrated as the "Godfather of Japanese Eroticism", Saekis artwork draws from the basement of a collective subconscious, depicting universal taboos through surreal narratives and dark humor. Filtering imagery from his photographic memory and childhood experiences through imagination and dreams, Saeki splits open a universally erotic world where iconic characters subject themselves to grotesque behaviours staged within traditional Japanese environments.

From May 8 - 24, 2014

ABOUT TOSHIO SAEKI

Born in 1945 in Miyazaki, Japan, Saeki gained notoriety in the 1970s for his avant garde approach, connecting traditional Japanese art styles such as Shunga erotica and Yokaiga mythology with postmodern radical pop art culture. Over the past 40 years Saeki has developed a dedicated cult following, which continues to expand significantly. Saeki has had solo exhibitions in Japan, Paris, London, Tel Aviv, New York and San Francisco. Over a dozen publications of his collected works have been printed including Saeki Toshio Gashu, Akai-hako Red Box, Chimushi I, and Chimushi II, Yume Manji Dream Swastika and Onikage. Celebrated cross culturally, Saeki has also been immortalized in the Ju-on horror films which play homage to his child spirit and has contributed album artwork for several international musicians including John Lennon and Yoko Ono. He presently lives and works in the small town of Ichihara, Chiba, Japan.

More information: http://narwhalprojects.com/exhibitions/current.php