If you're a fan of epic battles, sports, and surrealism in art, the Hiro Kurata 'Play the Right Game' exhibition was made for you.
Featuring the work of 31-year-old Japanese-born, Brooklyn-based artist Hiro Kurata, the 'Play the Right Game' exhibit compiles a series of illustrations Kurata created to explore the themes of baseball and the modern heroic figure.
The artwork is jarring and incongruous at first glance. The baseball players are massive, abstract, and engaged in battle. The ballplayers look like monsters and seem to behave like them, too. My favorite image from Hiro Kurata's collection sees a pin-stripe wearing ballplayer about to complete a homerun swing under the chin of a Greek-God looking character. The similarity between athletic heroism (and the way it is celebrated) and the exciting folklore that surrounds Greek mythology seems to be a major part of the reason Kurata chose this for his exhibit. Not only does it force the viewer to think about America's favorite past-time and the way sports is covered, it shows that an abstract and aesthetically pleasing painting can pay tribute to a topic while also critiquing it.
The Hiro Kurata 'Play the Right Game' exhibit is open for viewing from July 22-July 31st, 2011.
Implications - One of the most effective ways a company can garner immediate consumer attention is by investing in marketing that features strong surrealist elements. By forcing consumers to look closely at the ad to understand the message, the company embeds its logo, image, and the marketing in the subconscious of the consumer.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Surrealist Marketing
- Companies can utilize strong surrealist elements in their marketing to capture immediate consumer attention and embed their brand in the subconscious of the consumer.
- Exploration of Heroism
- The exploration of heroism, particularly in relation to athletic achievements, can provide inspiration and unique perspectives for artists and creators.
- Reinterpretation of Sports
- Artistic reinterpretation of sports, such as baseball, allows for the examination and critique of societal perceptions and the celebration of athletic achievements.
Where This Applies
- Advertising
- Advertising agencies and marketers can incorporate surrealist elements into their campaigns to create impactful and memorable brand experiences.
- Art and Design
- The art and design industry can explore the concept of heroism through various mediums, challenging traditional narratives and provoking thought among viewers.
- Sports and Entertainment
- Sports and entertainment industries can embrace and support artistic reinterpretations of sports, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural and social significance of athletic achievements.
