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Take a Bow: The Power of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Reviewing the kawaii career of an artist who continues to deliver the most eclectic and positive expressions of Pop Art
Local Power Japan is a fine example of what an artist with creative stamina and a strong sense of social responsibility can achieve and may well be the most sophisticated and accomplished iteration of Pop Art.
The ambitious initiative couldn’t have been helmed by just any artist as it’s made possible by a rich visual grammar tenaciously established over more than a decade by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ) whose multi-media manifestation has transcended initial cult status to become a cultural icon. Her practice encompasses audio-visual, costumed performance, music, dance, fashion, hype-art, painting, sculpture, graphic work, gaming, broadcast, commerce, and the J-Pop arena. Her motivations? Seemingly to fuel dreams, increase happiness, and bring people together, regardless of gender, age, class, or persuasions.
Needing no introduction in her homeland where she’s a top tarento and bona fide ‘household name’, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is now gaining global traction beyond her standing as Japan’s Kawaii Harajuku Ambassador (that’s an actual honorary title awarded her by the Mayor of Shibuya) and undisputed Queen of the J-Pop scene — a…
