This shit is off the hook, seriously. Have to say, the calibre of show curated by Alex Mitchell from Backwoods Gallery just increases for every show that we see, and playing host to Shohie Otomo will be no exception.

Theres just something brutally honest and “real”  in Otomos works, which are drawn and crafted only with ball point pen. Traditional meets manga, with a dash of the surreal, his work is modern, intriguing and just …. oh so *fucking* good.

“Backwoods Gallery, in collaboration with Lesley Kehoe Galleries, is proud to present a visceral and energetic snapshot of modern Japan though the eyes of illustrative genius Shohei Otomo.

Working mostly in ballpoint pen, Shohei Otomo’s insightful depictions of Japan expose both its commercial facade and deepest underground culture. Delivered with an unmistakable level of biting political analysis and technical perfection, Shohei’s work straddles the worlds of art, graphic design, anime and punk.

Son of the legendary Katsuhiro Otomo the prolific author and illustrator who has shaped so much of Japanese culture with titles such as AKIRA, Shohei’s work takes his fathers legacy into the next generation.

We are exceedingly proud to be exhibiting new, unseen and familiar works by Shohei Otomo, all originals insanely rendered in ballpoint pen, limited edition prints by the artists will also be available.

For Shohei Otomo, Backwoods is working with Lesley Kehoe Galleries, Australia’s leading gallery for Japanese contemporary art, located in the Melbourne CBD.”

Teaming up with Lesley Kehoe Galleries (where the show will be at) seems a no brainer for the Backwoods team, and one that we can all be thankful for – this show is going to rock, without a single doubt.

Who: Shohie Otomo
What: Fools Paradise solo show
Where: Lesley Kehoe Galleries, 101 Collins Street, Ground Floor,  VIC
When: Show opens Friday 7th September and runs til 28th September

Check out Shohie Otomo at his website, as well as Backwoods Gallery and Leslie Kehoe Gallery for more details!