Art / Kid Crayon
Kid Crayon curates group exhibition inspired by seminal manga movie ‘Akira’
Newly back from painting at Nass Festival, Bristol artist, illustrator and muralist Kid Crayon is in the final stages of preparations for a group exhibition he has curated, inspired by Katsuhiro Otomo’s seminal manga movie, Akira.
Artists featuring include Amber Anderson, Ems Verhaert, Captain Kris, Keo Match, Stklbck and SPZero.
The collection of artwork will be launched at a special opening night at D-Unit on August 4, and the exhibition will continue across the weekend.
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Kid Crayon told Bristol24/7 about the origins of the project.
What does Akira mean to you?
“Akira has been my favourite animated film after watching a heavily static/scratched version of it on VHS when I was 10 years old. I remember spending hours redrawing the VHS cover in my bedroom and trying to work out how to draw stills from the movies.
“It was only recently that I read the Akira graphic novels and I had my mind blown for the second time, by the insane artistic abilities of Katsuhiro Otomo.
Artwork by Kid Crayon for Akira group exhibition, 2023 – photo: courtesy of the artist
“The explosive action that he creates in these pages, and the complexity of the perspectives and subject matter, really is second to none. Coupled with the fact he wrote the whole thing single-handedly, adapted the screenplay and then directed the film, evinces that this guy is built differently.
“Katsuhiro is one of my favourite artists of all time (as he is to many artists across the world), which is why I wanted to put this group show together.”
How exciting is it to be curating a group exhibition like this?
“I’ve been wanting to put on the Akira group show since before lockdown and now with it just a few weeks away, I’m so excited to be able to show the public this collection of work.
“The lineup consists of the best artists that I know, with a healthy mix of Bristol, London and European-based illustrators/graffiti artists.
Artwork by SPzero for Akira group exhibition, 2023 – photo: courtesy of the artist
“I’ve been lucky enough to be able to bring these works together under one roof, so if you are a massive fan of the manga like us and have a healthy admiration for illustration and street art, then make sure to come visit us on August 4.
“Everyone is welcome to the opening night, and as this is just a short three day event, once it’s gone, it’s gone!”
Artwork: Kid Crayon
A Tribute to Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira is at D Unit Gallery on August 4 from 5.30-9pm, and then on August 5-6 from 12-5pm.
Main photo: Kid Crayon
Read more: Bristol’s Kid Crayon presents his first solo show since 2014
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