ICONS OF THE RISING SUN (POWER OF UMAMI)

 

Icons of the Rising Sun: Power of Umami, acrylic on canvas, 2024. 16.5" X 24"

This 4-part series commemorates the 70th anniversary of Japan's beloved Godzilla franchise and fuses the fame of the so-called "King of the Monsters" with the popularity of Japanese food culture. Both these icons have become extremely well-known worldwide.

Part 1 of the series focuses on the Showa era, which in the Godzilla franchise encompasses the 1950s to the 1970s. In the painting, the 1954 version of Godzilla is seen breathing out crystals of monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer which is marketed across the world under the brand name "Aji-no-Moto". MSG is a popular condiment as it has a savory taste, or umami taste, which is regarded as the fifth basic taste; characteristic of broths and cooked meats. Foods that have a strong umami flavor include meat and seafood. Japan is known to have a food culture based around their extensive seafood industry. The abundance of sushi is based on the rise of conveyor belt sushi restaurants in the 1970s, while the octopus is a reference to a giant octopus which appeared in the 1962 film, King Kong vs. Godzilla.

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