The Dream of Mika Murakami

The Japanese painter and sculptor living in Granada wins VIII Concourse of Drawing, Academy of Fine Arts by 'Do not stop the rain ... "
Jesus Arias / Granada Hoy | Updated 06.06.2009 - 05:00
The painter and sculptor Mika Murakami (Shizuoka-Ken, Japan, 1966) yesterday received the First Prize Drawing VIII of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de Granada. Mika Murakami won the award, worth 4,000 euros, for his work which would not cease until the rain overflow pond of memories, a play pen and pencil on paper water, embossed woodcut of 71X and fonidos of 111.5 centimeters . The book was chosen by the jury from a total of 133 pieces submitted.
The jury appreciated the technique used for drawing Murakami, who represents the artist explained, "a boat full of memories, full of omissions, browsing back in time." The title of the work is inspired by a phrase from a friend of Murakami, the author Reyes Urrutia.
"It was a surprise to me," said the painter. "Not what I expected because there are many people who draw well in Granada and many thought that would be submitted to the contest. Take ten years living in Granada and I wanted to introduce this type of competition, but I'm not expecting the prize, really .
The work was exhibited yesterday, along with 43 other selected from the 133 that were presented at the Cultural Center Grand Master, which may cover until next June 30.
At the award ceremony, the president of the Academy, José García Román, said the institution "has always fought for the drawing." "The work that the Academy in the avant-garde," he said, "gives us the strength to continue fighting for the drawing, which is the soul of the visual arts."
Román Garcia also expressed his gratitude towards the City of Granada, who works closely with the Academy in the drawing. In response, the councilman of Culture, Juan Garcia Montero, said that strong collaboration is needed between institutions in an "honest and sincere."
As finalists of the threshold were the work of Cuban Juan Guillermo Garcés follow a dry pastel on canvas, and Valencian Calo Carratalá by Palafitos Pucate river, a work composed of pencil on paper.
The exhibition shows a tremendous technical quality and creativity of all the selected artists. "There has been lots of variety and a high level both nationally and internationally," said Jesus Conde, one of the jurors. "We were surprised at the enormity of the physical works and technical quality."
Mika Murakami, who has excelled in Granada for his work as a sculptor, was revealed yesterday incredulous and delighted to have won a contest in which creative level is the highest in Spain.
Granada Hoy 06/06/09