Explore the personal art exhibition of contemporary artist Kojiro Matsumoto, known for his fusion of Japanese manga and Ukiyo-e in his various works. “PH-VLKR” is not only his largest solo exhibition in his career but, it is also the largest introduction of his work in China, in sheer scale. 

Figure 1: Depiction of Artist’s Work 

Figure 2: Depiction of Artist’s Work 

About Kojiro Matsumoto 

Born on the 11th of September 1976 in Tokyo, Kojiro Matsumoto grew up living in the Miyagi Prefecture, in Sendai City but is now Tokyo-based. Kojiro holds a master’s degree from Tama Art University, where he majored in fine arts. Taking inspiration and references from Japanese pop culture, Kojiro’s paintings depict cute girls, influenced by Japanese manga culture and art from the post-war periods. He also borrows inspiration from Ukiyo-e, a traditional Japanese painting style, seeking to reconstruct it uniquely. 

Figure 3: Depiction of Artist’s Work 

Figure 4: Depiction of Artist’s Work 

About PH-VLKR 

PH-VLKR is a concept that combines history and classic animation. “PH” stands for “Phantom” – the American F-4 fighter jet. The two-seater double engine heavy-duty air defence fighter was developed by McDonnell Douglas in 1956. It has a maximum flight speed of 2731km/h (twice the speed of sound) and a maximum flight altitude of 60,000 feet (18,200 meters), making it one of the classic fighter jets in the US military’s history. 

 “VLKR” originates from the VF-1 Valkyrie, from the artist’s favourite classic animation, “Macross”. It is the first variable fighter jet with a thermonuclear engine, adopted by the Earth United Army in the animation. Valkyrie was popular in the 1980s amongst young anime fans and military enthusiasts through the depiction of its battle scenes in the animation. 

 While these fighter jets might have nothing in common with the artistic image he has portrayed previously – the depiction of cute girls from Japanese pop culture, the artist has shared that the girl in these paintings is an unconscious projection of the artist’s daughter. Although the daughter is not deliberately involved in the creation, the character gradually grows up as the daughter grows up. This can be seen through the paintings in the exhibition, for example. Despite having a petite and cute uniform look, the girl maintains an upright posture and a strong expression – similar to a female warrior. Masks, depicted and portrayed as combat equipment, contrasts the images of sweet, cute, weak girls accompanied by adorable animals typically associated with Japanese pop culture. This conveys the shifts in gender identities in society, similar to Kojiro’s expectations of his daughter as she grows up. Although anime aesthetics, typically associated with cute girls, are widely loved, strong depictions of girls full of power are depicted, similar to a ‘Valkyrie’. 

Figure 5: Depiction of Artist’s Work 

The exhibition will also feature Kojiro’s rich pop culture. You can purchase Kojiro’s original paintings, prints and limited-edition collections statues. You will also receive token coins to try your skills on the claw machine – for an opportunity to win a limited-edition soft toy of Kojiro’s pink monster, Henchikirin, for free. An exclusive printing workshop will also be available, where participants can step into the immersive atmosphere of Kojiro’s space designs to immerse themselves in his creative artistic imagery. Expect to find unique experiences and surprises – the exhibition will live up to your expectations. 

Figure 6: Depiction of Artist’s Work 

Figure 7: Depiction of Artist’s Work 

Figure 8: Depiction of Artist’s Work 

About Wrong Gallery 

Founded in 2013, Wrong Gallery has a broader vision to embrace new art trends that serve the world through its respect for Pervasive Art (Total Art) as defined by artist Gary Baseman. Exhibition space and cutting-edge communication platforms are provided to art creators and art lovers alike. 

Wrong Gallery has presented a diverse range of artwork in its years of operations. Many exhibitions by well-known artists have been curated with different contents and themes for future young emerging artists, illustrators, and toy designers. The planning team includes Gary Baseman, Hajime Sorayama, KASING LUNG, Rockin’ Jelly Bean, Keita Amemiya, Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters, Takeya Takayuki, Katsuya Terada and uke Chueh.