pun(c)tuation, a new gallery directed by local artist Maikoiyo Alley-Barnes opens tonight at 6 pm with a show called The Shogunate Revisited, featuring works from artists Mike Wagner and I AM. It's located at 705A E Pike Street (right next to Honey Hole). The show promises, among other things, Japanese wood block print-influenced works displayed "against a backdrop of video-art installation that will loop archival footage, classic moments from Akira Kurosawa and John Hughes movies, as well as a short film that was shot in Japan the summer of 2009 by graffiti writer, photographer and producer TEWZ (Chicago)." Also present will be wine from Long Shadows Vinters, and vegan fare from Loving Hut. It's a chance to check out this latest gallery addition to Capitol Hill. Get there.

From the press release:

The show examines the artists’ common influence in Japanese wood block print, manga and historic figures including Utamaro, Hokusai, and Katsuhiro Otomo. The Tokugawa shogunate ruled over Japan for more than 300-years, yet creativity thrived despite (or perhaps because of) this oppression. Wood block prints were called ukiyo-e, “pictures of the floating world” — a world of the courtesans, brothels, and Kabuki theaters frequented by an urban class growing in wealth and size, who celebrated a lifestyle free from government-imposed restrictions. This installation reflects the relationships between political oppression and artistic expression, economic growth and social structures, the impact of technology on communications and communities, and the tensions that lead to a restructuring of our worlds.

Mike Wagner is a painter, conceptual artist and non-commissioned public illustration specialist, born in Philadelphia raised in Seattle. A graduate of Parsons School of Design, this year his paintings have been featured at Zeitgeist Coffee and FlatColor Gallery — including a series showcasing the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

I AM is a self-trained Sharpie maestro, comic book and video game illustrator. Originally from Philadelphia but now calls Seattle home, his work has recently been seen in Kushi Bar and Venom.

Their work will be displayed against a backdrop of video-art installation that will loop archival footage, classic moments from Akira Kurosawa and John Hughes movies, as well as a short film that was shot in Japan the summer of 2009 by graffiti writer, photographer and producer TEWZ (Chicago).

See the full press release after the jump:

pun(c)tuation and MOLOTOV Kartel Present:
The Shogunate Revisited
Mike Wagner, I AM

Opens Friday, November 20, 2009
705A E Pike Street
Seattle, WA 98122

Seattle, WA — New artwork from Seattle-based talents Mike Wagner and I AM will be featured in The Shogunate Revisited, with an opening reception on the evening of Friday, November 20. The installation was curated by artist collective MOLOTOV Kartel and pun(c)tuation, one of Pike Street’s newest additions.

The show will hang from Friday, November 20 through Thursday, December 17 at pun(c)tution — a sustainably-oriented, community-minded mixed-use space on Capitol Hill. Creative Director, Maikoiyo Alley-Barnes described the art gallery as “Phase One” for the location, with two more art installations planned before the next phase will be revealed, around January 2010.

The opening reception starts at 6 p.m. with music by DJ Topspin and songs by musician/composer Evan Flory-Barnes later in the evening. Food will be catered by Loving Hut vegan restaurant, located in the International District. Drinks will be provided thanks to our generous sponsors, Long Shadows Vinters and Lucid Jazz Lounge.

The show examines the artists’ common influence in Japanese wood block print, manga and historic figures including Utamaro, Hokusai, and Katsuhiro Otomo. The Tokugawa shogunate ruled over Japan for more than 300-years, yet creativity thrived despite (or perhaps because of) this oppression. Wood block prints were called ukiyo-e, “pictures of the floating world” — a world of the courtesans, brothels, and Kabuki theaters frequented by an urban class growing in wealth and size, who celebrated a lifestyle free from government-imposed restrictions. This installation reflects the relationships between political oppression and artistic expression, economic growth and social structures, the impact of technology on communications and communities, and the tensions that lead to a restructuring of our worlds.

Mike Wagner is a painter, conceptual artist and non-commissioned public illustration specialist, born in Philadelphia raised in Seattle. A graduate of Parsons School of Design, this year his paintings have been featured at Zeitgeist Coffee and FlatColor Gallery — including a series showcasing the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

I AM is a self-trained Sharpie maestro, comic book and video game illustrator. Originally from Philadelphia but now calls Seattle home, his work has recently been seen in Kushi Bar and Venom.

Their work will be displayed against a backdrop of video-art installation that will loop archival footage, classic moments from Akira Kurosawa and John Hughes movies, as well as a short film that was shot in Japan the summer of 2009 by graffiti writer, photographer and producer TEWZ (Chicago).

*The space will be closed November 21, 22