The $600,000 Gundam !
Via Sankaku Complex
Artist Hisashi Tenmyouya’s “RX-78-2 Kabuki-mono 2005 Version”, went for HK$4.8 million (about $600,000) at a recent Hong Kong auction; certainly a gorgeous illustration by any estimation. Hisashi Tenmyouya covers both classical and more modern themes in his art, though always in a finely executed classical style.
According to the artist:
I produced this painting for the exhibition, “GUNDAM: Generating Futures,” which was held at the Suntory Museum from July 15 to August 31, 2005. The work was later exhibited at the Ueno Royal Museum and other venues. In Japan there are many “Gundam-Otaku’s,” and their adoration of Gundam is intense. Therefore, I did not want to change their image of Gundam. By changing Gundam’s “mobile suit” to tattoos, I altered his body, and made him even more customized. I emphasized the very concept of the “mobile suit,” and by setting Gundam against a background of gold leaf from traditional Japanese painting, I emphasized Gundam’s samurai origins.
I don’t know much about fine art, but all I know is $600,000 would probably get you all the Gunplas ever made till now. Hisashi’s work is definitely a very interesting blend of old school art with modern motives.
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3 Responses to “The $600,000 Gundam !”
By topo on May 27, 2008 | Reply
holly beast!! $600 000….
By Anston on May 28, 2008 | Reply
Walao eh~ RM600,000?! Their national treasure lor
By kianyang on Jun 2, 2008 | Reply
Haha, a modern national treasure. With all that money the buyer could actually invest in funding research to build a REAL Gundam for once !