DefinePK

Abstract

Japan is a country which appears to have unique aspects to its ‘artworld’ in regard to that of the cultural imperialism. proposed by Danto and Dickie who focussed on the key history and elements of the European and US artworld. Even with the globalisation of art and the growth of international biennials, Japan appears to have a distinctly parochial outlook on the fine-art world.This article explores some of the underlying differences in this specific artworld through interviews with four Japanese fine artists who are dealing with the inherent Provincialism of their location and are seeking to build an international reputation through their distinct practice. An art curator was also interviewed and has some interesting insights. It proposes that Japanese fine artists work in a cultural environment that appears to have little in common with its western Euro-centric equivalence. It also makes suggestions as to how western artists can learn from those artists experiences of sustaining a creative practice within an environment of austerity through outwardly focussed transnational collaborations and entrepreneurial creativity. There is often a focus on the use of art as a tool to serve the corporate world. Issues of misogyny & sexism in the Japanese art world are also touched upon