Artist “Othelia” with her featured artwork “Family Photo” in front of Blue Door Art Center, Photo by M. Trommer
By M. Trommer
“ANIME, East Meets West Thru Art and Pop Culture,” a new exhibition, opened at the Blue Door Art Center on June 28 and will run through July 26, 2025. Visitors at the opening of “ANIME” were greeted by cosplayers dressed up as favorite charters from the Sailor Moon and Jujutsu Kaisen anime. One parent pointed to the collection of anime pins on his vest and commented, “I am as excited as my kids!”
A collection of brightly colored anime-inspired paintings, drawings, artifacts, fan art, and installations fills the gallery. Twenty artists from ages 11 to 82 have their work featured. Many artists hail from Yonkers and surrounding Westchester, but some artists come from out of state and as far away as the United Kingdom.
Co-curator and gallery director, Michele Amaro, enthused “I have always been fascinated with Japanese art and culture. To see anime so popular amongst teens, and so pervasive in our popular culture, I knew it was time to bring it to Blue Door.”
The Japanese art of anime short for animation, is a highly stylized and graphic art form. From “manga” Japanese comic books, that have been adapted to anime cartoon series or animated films, this genre has given off-shoots to many cultural crossovers such as food, fashion and entertainment.
What makes this exhibition unique is the interpretation of anime through the culture lens that is personal to each artist. If you are not sure what anime is or are a diehard fan, there is something to explore. Interactive exhibits will draw you into this larger-than-life world. Take a photo with giant parrot in a princess gown. No longer part of a subculture, anime is for everyone.
Visit this free exhibition at Blue Door Art Center, 13 Riverdale Avenue, Yonkers, NY, on Thursdays and Fridays from 3 – 6pm or Saturday from 1 – 6pm thru July 26th.
