An art exhibit opens in central Iowa today that centers on the alternative universe of “anime” or Japanese animation. Jeff Fleming is senior curator of the Des Moines Art Center which is hosting “My Reality: Contemporary Art and the Culture of Japanese Animation.” He says the exhibit includes robot cars, inflatable rabbits, 12-foot-long photographs and plastic dwarf heads. The diverse exhibit features the work of eight Asian artists and nine western artists — in formats from sculpture to painting to video. Fleming says anime shouldn’t be mistaken for regular “American-style” animation as these are not cartoons. Anime in Japan is targeted to all audiences. The exhibit opens today and runs through May 5th. A variety of associated classes and workshops are being offered in subjects ranging from sushi preparation to origami to package wrapping.
