Beat Takeshi Kitano at Fondation Cartier
Image: Takeshi Kitano, Untitled, 2009
Bright colors, anthropomorphic animals and family-friendly interactivity are a striking counterpoint to the celebrity of Japanese media personality Beat Takeshi Kitano. Renowned in the West for nihilistic and violent yakuza films and sociopathic thrillers, Kitano has been invited by Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain to create a site-specific installation running through autumn. He has orchestrated something more akin to a natural science museum for children than a cold, bleak crime scene.
The main gallery erupts with a vibrant energy, disorienting but welcoming. Cartoon caricatures spring into three dimensions: a comical Tyrannosaurus Rex installation offers various theories of dinosaur extinction; a patently ridiculous sewing machine powered by a massive locomotive and feet; oversized fish stuffed with sushi; dancing marionettes recall the Edo period. Challenging visitors with ancient Buddhist logic puzzles and inviting visual interpretations of audio tracks encourages participation from the young or young at heart. Only the mock-up of gallows, vibration tables discussing the scientific probability of life and a self-portrait commenting on Kitano's accidental brush with death can be immediately tied to the man behind Sonatine and Hana-bi.
Kitano took up painting to aid his rehabilitation following a near-fatal, alcohol-induced motorcycle wreck in the 90's. The downstairs is largely dedicated to his works which revel in naïve style with nods to early 20th century art deconstructionists. While critics have compared his use of color to that of Chagall a closer association would be the 80's pop of Keith Harring. The subject matter is fairly uniform, incorporating child-like family portraits with grossly contorted lizards and insects. Hidden within are the memories of Kitano's broken home and hard-knock life in post-war Tokyo.
What ties the entire exhibition together is split between two screening rooms, both lavishly decorated and inviting. Although known primarily for grim thrillers abroad, Kitano originally climbed to fame as the Japanese Lenny Bruce. From his early, intentionally offensive stand-up routines to outrageous television variety shows Kitano fought against the deeply entrenched conventions of Japanese society. Repeatedly censored, disparaged and threatened with media blackouts, Kitano's cutting zaniness steamrolled into the hearts of the Japanese public, making him one of the country's most revered stars.
Given the context of his most brash and immature humor, the fine balancing act of comedy and drama, cruelty and sympathy coalesces into a striking examination of self. Duplicitous and impulsive, Kitano seems to require a variety of mediums to contain and express his personality. The result of these married fragments is a stunning accomplishment of honesty, humor and reflection. It deserves a visit, just as Kitano deserves his recent naming as a Commander of the Order of the Arts and Letters.
What ties the entire exhibition together is split between two screening rooms, both lavishly decorated and inviting. Although known primarily for grim thrillers abroad, Kitano originally climbed to fame as the Japanese Lenny Bruce. From his early, intentionally offensive stand-up routines to outrageous television variety shows Kitano fought against the deeply entrenched conventions of Japanese society. Repeatedly censored, disparaged and threatened with media blackouts, Kitano's cutting zaniness steamrolled into the hearts of the Japanese public, making him one of the country's most revered stars.
Given the context of his most brash and immature humor, the fine balancing act of comedy and drama, cruelty and sympathy coalesces into a striking examination of self. Duplicitous and impulsive, Kitano seems to require a variety of mediums to contain and express his personality. The result of these married fragments is a stunning accomplishment of honesty, humor and reflection. It deserves a visit, just as Kitano deserves his recent naming as a Commander of the Order of the Arts and Letters.
Gosse de Peintre
Beat Takeshi Kitano
Until 12 September 2010
Wednesday to Sunday 11:00-20:00
Tuesday 11:00-22:00
7,50€/5€ Reduced
Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain
261 Boulevard Raspail
Mº Raspail/Denfert-Rochereau
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