''The Age of the Gods'', 1959 - art by Jano is a mixed media by Movie World Posters which was uploaded on January 21st, 2022.
''The Age of the Gods'', 1959 - art by Jano
A vintage movie poster of ''The Age of the Gods'', 1959, a Japanese documentary film directed by Masaki Kobayashi. This film is distinct for its... more
Title
''The Age of the Gods'', 1959 - art by Jano
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster
Description
A vintage movie poster of ''The Age of the Gods'', 1959, a Japanese documentary film directed by Masaki Kobayashi. This film is distinct for its anthropological and philosophical exploration of the religious and spiritual customs of Japan. It is not a traditional narrative film but rather a deep dive into Japan's cultural and spiritual heritage, especially focusing on Shinto, the indigenous spirituality of the Japanese people.
The documentary is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail in portraying various religious ceremonies, festivals, and rituals associated with Shinto beliefs. It captures the essence of Japanese reverence for nature, ancestors, and the multitude of kami (gods or spirits) that inhabit the natural world.
Kobayashi's approach in "The Age of the Gods" is both respectful and inquisitive. He examines the historical and cultural significance of Shinto practices, offering insights into how these traditions have been preserved and adapted over time. The film serves as a visual ethnography, providing a window into the spiritual life of Japan that is deeply rooted in communion with nature and the cycles of life and death.
Visually, the film is striking, with Kobayashi's use of cinematography to capture the beauty and solemnity of the rituals and the natural landscapes that are central to Shinto worship. The imagery often has a poetic quality, reflecting the spiritual and aesthetic values of the subject matter.
"The Age of the Gods" also delves into the philosophical aspects of Shinto, exploring themes such as the impermanence of life, the interconnectedness of all living things, and the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with the natural world. It presents these themes in a way that is both informative and contemplative, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own relationship with nature and spirituality.
Overall, "The Age of the Gods" (1959) is significant for its cultural and historical documentation of Japanese spiritual practices. It stands out as an important film in the realm of anthropological and religious documentaries, offering a profound and respectful exploration of the spiritual traditions that have shaped Japanese identity and worldview.
About the artist:
Francisco Fernández-Zarza Pérez (1922, Madrid – May 12, 1992), better known as "Jano," was a Spanish film poster artist, one of the most highly regarded of his time along with Soligó and Macario Quibus, aka "Mac."
The large number of artworks created by Fernando Zarza, known as "Jano," makes it complex to define the unitary aspects of his style. Lively, dynamic, and with intricate compositions, Jano is one of the favorite designers in the panorama of Spanish cinema. He created movie posters that are realistic and photographic and others more caricatured; he realized sensual female portraits but also conceptual images, characterized by few elements and characters.
What strikes you when you look at one of his works is the feeling of movement, dynamism, the vitality of his compositions. Scenes, settings, and protagonists fit together following different directives and vanishing points. The chaos of elements and colors makes Jano's posters a loud set of faces. But in this chaos, there is life, true action.
During the Spanish Civil War from 1936 to 1939, Jano worked as an illustrator for Republican magazines, which caused him to be imprisoned. In the 1950s, he worked as a comic book cover artist for publishers such as "Dollar." However, his skill in film advertising made him the preferred poster artist for many Spanish studios.
In 2006, Montserrat published a book featuring 221 actors painted by Jano. In 2014, an exhibition was held in his honor titled "Jano Movie Faces, 20 Posters to Remember". He also taught painting courses at the University of Madrid.
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Uploaded
January 21st, 2022
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