Japan Supernatural: Last Weekend, Late Nights

Overview

Sure you've had plenty of time to see the Art Gallery of New South Wales's blockbuster exhibition Japan Supernatural, but have you been yet? We get it, there aren't enough hours in a day. Luckily, if you're yet to see the exhibition, or you're keen to see the 200 works again before it closes, the gallery is extending its opening hours for its final weekend.

From Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8, the gallery will stay open till 10pm — so you really have no excuse not to visit. The exhibition explores the spirit world in Japanese art — from paintings and sculpture to prints, film, animation, comics and games. Wander through the gallery after dark and see contemporary artist Takashi Murakami's huge mural; Utagawa Kuniyoshi's work Mitsukuni defies the skeleton spectre conjured up by Princess Takiyasha (1845–46); and the painted handscroll Night procession of the Hundred Demons (1772–81) by Toriyama Sekien. Need more inspiration? Check out five must-see works here and the haunting characters to look out for here. 

On top of staying up late, the gallery is also hosting a series of mini events. Drop into an origami workshop led by Japanese-born, Sydney-based contemporary artist Midori Furze. Taking place in the gallery's cafe on Friday, from 6–8pm, and Sunday, from 5–7pm, this art class will teach you how to create paper Japanese spirits, known as yōkai. You can also catch a free live gig on the exhibition's closing night. Sydney-based singer-songwriter Morgana Osaki will be performing her experimental electronic tunes on Sunday, from 5–8pm.

Japan Supernatural is open from 10am–10pm on Friday, March 6, Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8. For more information, head here.  

Images: 'Japan Supernatural' at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, November 2, 2019 until March 8, 2020. Photo: AGNSW/Jenni Carter.