Abstract

Many of the most recent New Media artists of Japan are utilizing the Internet to instantaneously bring their work into an international art venue. Some are producing technologically curious objects that are purchased by consumers for their popular appeal. The art products are distributed via local electronic and hardware stores, but also over the Internet, providing two different interactive distribution methods, which reach local and international participants. Exonemo is an art phenomenon that carries out interesting concepts via the Internet. These include art and technology objects, programs, installations and performances. Maywa Denki is a term used by the artists Nobumichi and Masamichi Tosa, and represents their art product company, which distributes concept-based “art” devices over the Internet. Takashi Murakami’s recent exhibitions show his efforts at merging aspects of traditional Japanese culture of Zen Buddhism and the Tea Ceremony with popular arts like the Daruma doll – variations on an object seen throughout contemporary Japan’s consumer society. In this and other ways, Murakami aims to merge high art and culture with popular consumerist society. For recent New Media artists of Japan, using the Internet and digital media enables artists to reach people of every strata of society within and outside of Japan. This has been a major aim of avant-garde artists groups in Japan in the 20th century. Now in the 21st century, the Internet facilitates this on a universal scale.