New York anime comes and goes. But during that time, we at The Beat had a special opportunity from the Japan Society to attend a preview of Acky Brght’s exhibition in New York called Studio Infinity. The exhibition showcases much of Acky Bright’s work over the years, from his artwork in various DC comics, artwork for NETFLIX’s Squid Game, and even promotions for his YAOSOBI x Vaundy and WcDonald comics for McDonald’s work.
The exhibition is located on the second floor of the Japan Society Building, 333 East 47th Street, on the East Bank of Manhattan. There is a smaller space on the second floor that houses a variety of prints, line art, and sketches of various DC and Hasbro characters, including Optimus Prime, Ninja Turtles, and Harley Quinn. There are also some original artwork created using Procreate as well as rough drafts, early work-in-progress sketches, and miniatures, which give you an insight into the creative process behind Acky’s artwork in his signature Kawakakkoii (cute and cool) art style.
In the main gallery on the same level, larger paintings on canvas will be on display, visible from both entrances to the main gallery showroom. A video of the YAOSOBI x Vaundy collaboration with Acky Bright will be projected on the wall, and various character sheets and designs will be displayed nearby. Further along the room there will be more character sheets, illustrations of various characters drawn in black and red ink on white canvases, paper bags with thumbnails for printing McDonald’s comic mini-comics onto Plan the layout beforehand.
The main focal point of the room is then a large glass panel flanked by two white walls. This is where Acky Bright will be painting live during the preview, August 23-25. I had the pleasure of also attending the opening reception on the 22nd where attendees not only got to watch Acky Bright paint live on the glass using markers, but we also got to paint on the glass to add to the glass. The mural was redone during the preview, but it was a fun experience interacting with Acky’s artwork in this way. The final mural will sit on a glass panel but extend outward to the walls on either side of the glass, and will be visible to attendees once the exhibition opens to the public on October 4.
While at Anime NYC, I had the opportunity to ask Acky Bright why he wanted to hold this exhibition, and this is what he had to say: I originally received an invitation from the Japanese Society, and my first conference in the United States will be in New York City in 2022, So for that reason, it felt right to host the event here. I wanted this to be a glimpse into the creative process, so you see not just the finished art, but how the different steps behind it came to be.
So, if you are interested in the process of creating an artwork, or simply want to admire the work of another artist, you can head to Studio Infinity at the Japan Society Acky Bright from October 4, 2024 to January 19, 2025. It was a pleasant experience for artists, illustration fans, and comics fans in a very atmospheric place in New York City.
Feel free to check out more of Acky Bright’s artwork as well as news about collaborations and projects he’s involved in on his X/Twitter and Instagram.
You can also check out his main website to learn more about him and see his work and more news.
If you want to see preview interviews and reviews of Acky’s previous work. You can view the Acky Bright archives on The Beat.
As always, until next time, my lovely uncle nerds!
