THIRD ANNUAL SCREENS ISSUE - MediaPost

Tomokazu Matsuyama’s paintings serve as a reconciliation of the cultural tensions
of his own Japanese-American identity, while playfully addressing broader issues
of nationalism. Matsu left the music choices to Jeff, who links them to Michael
Jackson’s appropriation of “Behind the Mask,” the 1978 song by Japanese synthpop
band, Yellow Magic Orchestra, as well as the Ramones’ “Rock and Roll High
School,” covered by Shonen Knife, a Japanese girl punk band.
Tomokazu Matsuyama, Toys and Candy, 2011, acrylic and mixed media on canvas, triptych, 84 x 180 in.
Tomokazu
Matsuyama
Spring 2012 MEDIA MAGAZINE 67