“Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form” is on view at the Bowers Museum through Sept. 8.
This is a special ticketed exhibition. Tickets to “Asian Comics” will include admission to all nine permanent collection exhibitions.
Never-before-seen at a museum and making its American debut, “Asian Comics” presents the largest-ever selection of original artworks from Asian comics, displayed alongside their printed, mass-produced forms.
This exhibition is a vivid journey through the art of comics and visual storytelling across Asia. From its historical roots to the most recent digital innovations, the exhibition looks to popular Japanese manga and beyond, highlighting key creators, characters, and publications. Explore thriving contemporary comics cultures and traditional graphic narrative art forms from places including:
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, and Vietnam.
Visitors will dive into a kaleidoscope of diverse stories, from fantastical folklore, pivotal historical moments, revealing memoirs, and challenging expressions of freedom. Discover acclaimed and influential creators from Osamu Tezuka, Zao Dao, Morel, Hur Young Man, and Lat, to genre innovators and underrepresented artists including Abhishek Singh and Miki Yamamoto.
See how their work has influenced cinema, animation, fashion, visual art, music, and video games, and get creative in the accompanying maker-space that’s fun for all ages.
Curated by Paul Gravett with a team of more than 20 international advisors, “Asian Comics” features over 400 works — the largest selection of artworks from the continent — including Japanese woodblock prints, Hindu scroll paintings, digital media, printed comics, and contemporary illustrations. This unique exhibition makes its North American debut at Bowers Museum and offers a gateway to an unexplored world of graphic storytelling and its artistic value.
Things to know:
Be advised that this exhibition may contain instances of nudity and violence, as it explores various themes and artistic expressions found in Asian comics. Viewer discretion is advised.
Section 5 of this exhibit contains adult material intended for mature audiences only. This section is partitioned from the rest of the gallery for discretion. Visitors under age 18, and those wishing to skip Section 5, may enjoy an art activity area (located outside the partition) before moving on to Section 6.
Be aware that this exhibit is an immersive, multi-sensory experience. Sitting areas are available within the gallery for your comfort as you navigate through the exhibition.
Emergency exits are clearly marked, and maps with exit routes are available within the gallery.
Oversized backpacks or cases are prohibited.
For FAQ and links to purchase tickets, go to: https://www.bowers. org/index.php/current-exhibition/asian-comics-evolution-of-an-art-form
The Bowers is located at 2002 N. Main St. (at 20th Street) in Santa Ana, one minute from the 5 Freeway (Main Street South exit) and just minutes from the 57, 55, and 22 freeways. Parking is available directly north of the museum for a $6 fee. In the instance of overflow, the lot just south of the museum on 20th Street will also be made available
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Tickets: Bowers members, free for first visit; adults, $28; seniors (62+) and students (12), $25; children (3-11), $10; children (under 3), free; SantaAna residents, $10; active military and NARM members, $10; special offer on Final Fridays for visitors in cosplay from 4 to 8 p.m., $10.
For more information, call (714) 567-3600 or visit www.bowers.org.