On October 18th, Judas Arrieta, invited by The Achenbach Art Society, presents his first solo exhibition in Germany at NIO HOUSE Düsseldorf, titled “MANGA ART DÜSSELDORF.” These works are the result of a one-month stay at The Achenbach Art Society studios.

It’s a pictorial proposal in which the Spanish artist merges techniques and concepts from European and American painting, heavily influenced by German Expressionism and conceptual art, with elements and references from Japanese popular culture that have shaped his life and artistic vision.

Judas Arrieta’s Manga Art paintings represent a surprising combination of styles and themes. In them, one can appreciate traditional Western painting elements such as expressive brushstrokes and impactful textures intertwined with images and symbols from Japanese popular culture. Manga and anime characters, samurais, Japanese prints, and rock and pop music will be present in each canvas, creating a unique and thought-provoking visual narrative.

The exhibition aims to initiate a dialogue between European artistic tradition, represented by the influential Dusseldorf school and its prominent 20th-century art figures, and contemporary Japanese culture, which has deeply influenced Arrieta’s work. By blending these two cultural universes in his paintings, Arrieta invites the audience to reflect on identity, belonging, and the influence of culture on an individual’s artistic development.

With this exhibition, we aim to foster meaningful cultural and artistic exchange in the city of Dusseldorf. By showcasing the works of Judas Arrieta, a Spanish artist with a profound connection to Japanese culture, we hope to broaden understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity in the artistic realm.

Furthermore, the exhibition is expected to stimulate a dialogue between visitors and the artist himself, encouraging reflection on cultural identity and individual experiences in an increasingly globalized world. The public will be invited to explore ideas of cultural duality, the impact of one’s environment on artistic formation, and the possibilities of merging different artistic traditions to create something new and unique.

We want to extend invitations to cultural institutions and art galleries in Dusseldorf, as well as the local Japanese community, to promote the dissemination and active participation of the public in this exhibition. We seek to establish partnerships with cultural and educational organizations to expand the impact of this project and reach broader audiences, including students and young individuals interested in contemporary art and Japanese culture.

In summary, “Manga Art Düsseldorf: Exploring Cultural Duality in the Japanese City of Europe” is an artistic project that seeks to blend European and Japanese influences in the work of Judas Arrieta, initiating a dialogue between Dusseldorf’s artistic tradition and contemporary pop culture from Japan. Through a solo exhibition, this project aims to promote appreciation for cultural diversity and create spaces for reflection on identity and cultural influence in art.