Anime cells: 1) Astro Boy; 2) Doraemon
Unknown artist, 1) c. 1980; 2) 2005
These two works are original painted cells, taken from two highly popular anime television series. The first shows a robot named ‘Astro BoyÂ’, the eponymous hero of a series originally created in manga form in 1952 by Osuma Tezuka – a man revered in Japan as the 'God of Manga'. Doraemon is a Japanese manga series created by Fujiko F. Fujio which later became an anime series and an Asian franchise. The series is about an earless robotic cat named Doraemon, who travels back in time from the 22nd century to aid a schoolboy, Nobita Nobi. A majority of Doraemon episodes are comedies with lessons regarding values such as integrity, perseverance, courage, family and respect for elders, while several noteworthy environmental issues are also often visited, including animal homelessness, global warming, and deforestation. In March 2008, Japan's Foreign Ministry appointed Doraemon as the nation's first 'anime ambassador'. A ministry spokesman explained the novel decision as an attempt to help people in other countries to understand Japanese anime better and to deepen their interest in Japanese culture. This acquisition was presented by the Art Fund and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Anime cells: 1) Astro Boy; 2) Doraemon, 1) c. 1980; 2) 2005
Date supported
2012
Medium and material
Plastic cell, pigment
Dimensions
Both: 26.5 x 24 cm
Grant
420
Total cost
420

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