Beginning June 27, Manga Dreams will be on view in the main gallery of the Loveland Museum. The exhibition features studio portraits of Asian youth in original, manga-inspired costumes, posing as characters they created themselves. Combining photography with digital techniques, each image builds immersive, imaginative worlds.
Manga Dreams explores identity, media and self-perception through cyberculture and digital technology. Originating in Japan, manga—meaning “cartoon”—bridges popular culture and contemporary art. The artists invited nonprofessional participants from the street, providing styling while encouraging them to invent unique backstories. The resulting characters are entirely original, not based on existing manga. The exhibition highlights themes of identity, self-expression, media representation, cosplay, gender and digital art.
Artists Jonathan Anderson and Edwin Low have been collaborating as Anderson & Low since 1990. Their work in photography includes portraiture, architectural studies, abstract images, reportage, nudes and landscape and is noted for attention to concept, form, lighting and printing. Their work is exhibited worldwide, residing in many public and private collections. Their recent work is recognized for challenging viewers’ expectations and stretching the boundaries of photography, and the pair have worked with both the Star Wars and James Bond franchises.
Exhibition Details: Manga Dreams
- When: June 26-Sept. 12
- Where: Loveland Museum, main gallery
- Website: thelovelandmuseum.org/manga-dreams
Exhibition events
Tour/gallery Talk with Anderson & Low
- When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 27
- Cost: Free
- Details: Join the artists on a tour of the exhibit.
Photography Messaging Workshop
- When: 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, June 30
- Cost: Free, but registration is required.
- Register: thelovelandmuseum.org/guest-artist-workshops
- Details: Max of 10 students.
In this workshop, bring your own photography projects and discuss them with the Manga Dreams photographers Anderson & Low for feedback, advice and suggestions on how to advance your message and the delivery of that message. The workshop is great for budding photographers and experienced photographers alike. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops, as well as actual prints, to display work to discuss.
Cosplay Costume Reception
- When: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 30
- Cost: Free
Come in your favorite family-friendly cosplay costume. Enjoy music, mocktails and fun activities such as anime self-portraits and a selfie photo station. Also, be one of 35 people in costume who will walk the catwalk to show off their style.
Kintsugi Workshop: The Art of Broken Pottery Instructed by Kurt Caddy
- When: 12-3 p.m. Saturday, July 25
- Cost: $125 for non-members, $100 for museum members
- Register: thelovelandmuseum.org/guest-artist-workshops
- Fee includes a hand-thrown tea bowl, all necessary supplies and tools and instruction.
Kintsugi, meaning “golden joinery,” is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer and precious metals, highlighting rather than hiding the cracks. It symbolizes healing and embracing imperfections. This hands-on workshop offers a creative journey from brokenness to beauty, powerfully visualizing the message of resilience and transformation. Kurt Caddy is an abstract artist based near Springfield, Mo., where he draws inspiration from nature and family. His work, influenced by wabi-sabi and the Japanese art of kintsugi, emphasizes transformation through brokenness using rich textures, layered colors and symbolic imagery. Through his unique materials and process, Caddy seeks to express the idea that beauty and redemption can emerge from imperfection.
Anime Film Festival at the Rialto Theater
- “Spirited Away”
- When: 7 p.m. Friday, July 10
- “Howl’s Moving Castle”
- When: 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11
- “Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon A Time”
- When: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 11
All films are $5 and are in Japanese with English subtitles. Get tickets at rialtotheatercenter.org/anime.
