Maltese vs Japanese

Maltese Carnival with Japanese Carnival

Carnival is one of the most well known festival from all over the world.Though it may seem and have different events in different countries,they all form the same thing and have the same basic in showing the artistic way of costumes and floats.Maltese carnival is all about the mechanics of moving and the music it brings with the beginning of the king of the carnival while japan is more into the art style and the costume designs.

Floats Comparison

Floats are a huge deal when it comes to carnival,from any country,the thing about floats is though they all have different themes and different functions from all over the world.Maltese floats have more of a design into them with patterns all over it which makes it colourful yet confusing.Sometimes they take the idea from a series or movie like doing a cartoon character as a float with different functions of movement and it's own theme.Some characters include famous figures such as Mickey Mouse.I don't really find this carnival design very unique and artistic because they're not really being original especially taking one character and putting him in it.

Scooby-Doo Float

Image available at :

https://kayfiott.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/carnival2010_float6.jpg

Japan on the other hand is more into art when it comes to the making of the floats rather than into structure and detail.Japanese floats have a more artistic design and cartoon style when they make the art on the float.This mostly represents Japonisme which is the art style for Japan.Japonisme has a cartoon style feeling of art rather than more into realism.The structure of the float isn't exactly unique and different from eachother but the art on it and the materials of the float is much better than using cardboard and newspaper.Something which is also notable is that the Japanese floats are more similar to the Chinese designs.They both have similar artworks and celebrate carnival almost the same way.They also both use dragons as a main symbol for this event.Malta isn't that similar to China with it's designs than how Japan is.

Japanese Float

Image available at :

https://english.kyodonews.jp/photos/assets/201502/EN-337222-thumbx300.jpg

Here are some comparisons of the floats and how they look very different yet they still have the same functions and celebrate it similar to our festival.

Maltese

Image available at :

http://292fc373eb1b8428f75b-7f75e5eb51943043279413a54aaa858a.r38.cf3.rackcdn.com/8e06fde200c1a29735fd30303bb249523908645405-1317458999-4e86d437-620x348.jpg

Image available at :

http://www.independent.com.mt/file.aspx?f=100102&width=630&height=340

Image available at :

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/fo62b8sIizw/maxresdefault.jpg

Japanese

Image available at :

http://thingstodo.viator.com/japan/files/2012/07/japanfest.jpg

Image available at :

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000IeY5q6YP6rw/s/860/860/Japan-Neputa-Festival-4.jpg

Image available at :

http://cdn.drprem.com/travel/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Aomori-Nebuta-Matsuri.jpg

Dancers Comparison

During the carnival festival,most of the time there will be dancers with the floats which are a national tradition of the event.Each country has their unique design of costumes for these people to compete with during dance competitions.They all have their own tradition with their own national design style.A design which I really liked is the Japanese costumes which are very different from the ones in Malta.

Image available at :
http://www.corinthia.com/globalassets/corinthia-insider/malta-carnival_carnival-15_credit-viewingmalta.com.jpg

The Maltese dancers have a different view on the tradition from the Japanese.The costumes aren't exactly based with textiles and have a design.They are rather more used with foams and the head gear they will wear is mostly used with paper mache.This is the same technique for the floats.This matches them with the floats which shows a unique theme rather than being random.Something they have similar to the Japanese culture is that they also have dance competitions and are divided into groups of who will be victorious.Other than just Japan,Maltese designs are also inspired by other countries and places such as the Egyptian design on the picture seen.It is like a pharaoh or a goddess.Here are some designs which are based on the Japanese tradition.

The Japanese costumes are rather different in view.In carnival they mostly use kimonos and the Japanese tradition design sometimes seems to be inspired by Brazil.Even the floats kind of look like the Brazilian design.For instance,the costumes aren't more of a full clothing to the dancers which shows out the way of the Brazilians.Though in difference,the people mostly wear kimonos and are very more casual and different than how Malta views the carnival design.To me the kimonos are more interesting than the Maltese design because they show more art in it and can be wear casually as well for events.Here are some designs which i liked.

Image available at :
http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/008/5/9/maiko_kimono_by_ryoky28-d5qugm3.jpg

Image available at :
http://s160.photobucket.com/user/liertosasuke/media/Japanese%20Stuff/kimono102.jpg.html

To me the Japanese are rather more casual when they take the carnival event but it still shows the design of the art of the theme.Maltese clothing is less of textile material but it still shows out the carnival and does it better than the Japanese.I both liked the designs and they both inspired me and I can see how they're tradition can be similar.

Sources

Valletta.org,Malta Carnival (Online Site)
http://valletta2018.org/organised/malta-carnival-2015-laughter-colour-and-lights/
(First accessed in 15 May 2015)

Unmissable Japan,Samba Carnival (Online Site)
http://www.unmissablejapan.com/events/asakusa-samba-carnival
(First accessed in 14 May 2015)

Japan-Talk,Samba Carnival (Online Site)
http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/asakusa-samba-carnival
(First accessed in 14 May 2015)

Japanese Carnival

Japanese Tradition

The Japanese carnival,mostly known as the Asakusa Samba carnival in Japan,is one of the most celebrated festival in Tokyo.Similair to the Chinese carnival,the Asakusa Samba carnival has it's own floats with dragons and very similair to the chinese.Unlike Malta this festival is held in summer and most people come to enjoy the summer days while the event is being held.It is one of the well known tradition in Tokyo.

This festival includes floats,dancers and matching music to get you to the japanese rhythm style.In the japanese tradition dancers are mostly shown and they come with teams to compete even from other countries.

Floats

Japan Neputa Float

Image available at :

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000G3MNatAt4YM/s/860/860/Japan-Neputa-Festival.jpg

The japanese floats are mostly artistic rather than being functional with movement.They light up well in the night and the art shows more.The art style they use with the floats is more like Japonisme,the style where the figures are more cartoon style and have a more bright and colourful feeling to them.This encourages people to see something different rather than a mechanical moving float with details and less art into it.The Japanese floats are mostly known as Neputa which is known for a holiday festival in summer.The floats are mostly made of animals or mythical beasts.These creatures are a symbol to japan and show out the beauty of it.Unlike most carnival floats,these Neputa floats don't have wheels or an attachment where it can be pulled by vehicle.This makes it a tradition in Tokyo where people gather up and carry the whole float themselves.

Aomori

Image available at :

http://babibubebo.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/_eap0579.jpg

In my opinion these floats are one of the best that i have ever looked at and their design matches each other rather than making random floats that don't even match.The material of the floats seem to be much thicker than most floats.The floats seem to be transparent where as you can see through.One well known place for these stunning designs is the well known "Neputa Village".The Neputa Village is a museum where most of these floats are held for attraction and most tourists visit this place to take pictures and be amazed by the artwork there is.There are even musical instruments,mechanics and toys which are related to this festival.

Goshogawara Tachi

Image available at :

http://c8.alamy.com/comp/C5HB3M/goshogawara-tachi-neputa-tachi-neputa-museum-goshogawara-aomori-tohoku-C5HB3M.jpg

Dancers

The festival also includes dancers who are dressed in amazing costumes with brilliant designs.This festival includes people competing against eachother to win the best costume design and dance.This event really feels like and looks like how the fashion show is with the designs and the winning team.The dancers will then be divided into groups where they'd make performances which they would have been practicing all year.Just like Malta,these costumes,floats and dances would have been prepared atleast a year before.The winner of the event will be given a prize which are decided by their own judges the event will have.Some are voted online by phone voting.

Asakusa Samba Dancers
Image available at :
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Asakusa_Samba_03.jpg

Other than just the dancers,it is also a tradition in the event whereas people not taking part in the event would dress properly just for the festival.This is like how carnival works in other countries where the people would dress as their favourite characters and join the event.They also wear this publicly during normal days aswell.Costumes and designs are these are very popular and show out the theme of the Japanese Festival especially carnival.They are also used in modern culture like tv shows and movies.The design seems to be so basic but the artwork on the clothing and the texture and clothing it has is super unique.These dresses are known as kimonos which are seen everywhere in Tokyo.

Japanese Traditional Costume
Image available at :
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/91/7a/d1/917ad15c65cd8f4b5b7ba9e6b9bf65b8.jpg

Jotaro Saito

One famous designer for these kimonos is Jotaro Saito.Saito is a japanese artist who specializes in clothing and has been in many Japanese Fashion Week events.He is one of the youngest designers in Japan.He enjoys making interior designs and product designs along with clothing.His works are stunning and his kimonos sometimes seem to be related to the Japanese Carnival theme.His work clearly represents the japanese tradition and also shows out the art in it.Here are some of his works which i liked and i think represent the Carnival or atleast give out that feeling to it.

Image available at :
http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/JOTARO+SAITO+SANSAI+SAITO+Runway+MBFW+Tokyo+890HX0vI6cKl.jpg

Image available at :
http://www.globalgiants.com/archives/fotos44/Sansai-Fashion-04.jpg

Image available at :
http://www.itslavida.com/files/2014/10/runway_00090_x.jpg

Sources

Japan-Guide (Online Site)
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3704.html#
(First accessed in 14 May 2015)

Wattention,Neputa Village (Online Site)
http://www.wattention.com/archives/tsugaru-domain-neputa-village/
(First accessed in 14 May 2015)

Japan-Talk,Samba Carnival (Online Site)
http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/asakusa-samba-carnival
(First accessed in 14 May 2015)

Unmissable Japan,Samba Carnival (Online Site)
http://www.unmissablejapan.com/events/asakusa-samba-carnival
(First accessed in 14 May 2015)

Chinadaily (Online Site)
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/life/2009-03/25/content_7616209_5.htm
(First accessed in 14 May 2015)

Tokyo Fashion Week,Jotaro Saito (Online Site)
https://tokyo-mbfashionweek.com/en/brands/detail/jotaro-saito/
(First accessed in 14 May 2015)

Japanese Art

Japonisme

Japan has a unique art style that is very different from most artists way of showing art.Their way of showing art is much more simpler in characteristics such as structure especially when drawing people.Though the colours they mix in is much more artistic and beautiful then when other artists.

Before the Storm - Ito Shinsui

Image available at :

http://uploads3.wikiart.org/images/ito-shinsui/before-the-storm-1920.jpg

The Letter - Mary Cassatt

Image available at :

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d3/Mary_Cassatt_-_The_Letter_-_NGC_29876.jpg

One famous Japanese artist who inspires me a lot into the japanese art and design is Takashi Murakami.His work,just like Japonisme,is also focused more on cartoon sketch and less realistic.Yet his art style is impressive and really beautiful.The colours which he makes on his art is very interesting and amazing.Takashi is an artist who was well known in the 1990s.His work seems to be based of the very popular japanese art of manga and anime.This style inspires me a lot because it is not extremely detailed in realism but yet is more focused on the cartoon side it has.One of my favourite works Takashi has is the one called "Tan Tan Bo Puking - Gero Tan".This work has loads of different variants of colours mixed in and they seem to form a creature.

Gero Tan - Takashi Murakami

Image available at :

https://static.perrotin.com/oeuvre/photo/Takashi_Murakami/takashi-murakami-7241_1.jpg?=20150218120805

Picasso with Japonisme

One well known artist throughout the whole world who tried applying this art technique in his works is Picasso.Picassso found this art style interesting when his friend had showed him some of his engravings for this art.His works even included the cartoon feeling and the japanese words inprinted on them.Though he was more into paintings of Japonisme rather than engraving prints,he applied this style to his works.This painting mostly shows the face and how the colour is rather than the more cartoon style of Japonisme.The face of the cat seems like a beast and a legendary beast of japan.It also seems like it represents the beast japan uses for carnival.

Pablo Picasso Painting

Image available at :

http://paintings-art-picture.com/Pablo-Picasso-Art-Painting/images/Pablo%20Picasso%20Paintings%2028.JPG

Nowadays japanese art is mostly focused in animation and comics rather than art style or design.To me the japanese art which is how it is now inspires me a lot because of the way the characteristics they have in it and the japanese prints.

The Great Wave - Katsushika Hokusai

Image available at :

http://uploads2.wikiart.org/images/katsushika-hokusai/the-great-wave-of-kanagawa-1831.jpg

Sources

Thouarthistory,Japonisme (Online Site)

http://thouarthistory.blogspot.com/2009/03/japonisme.html

(First accessed in 12 May 2015)

Artic,Japonisme (Online Site)

http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/my/east-meets-west-japonisme-and-impressionism/13453

(First accessed in 12 May 2015)

Ft.com (Online Site)

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3e6adb38-f4cd-11de-9cba-00144feab49a.html#

(First accessed in 12 May 2015)

Wikipedia,Japonism (Online Site)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japonism

(First accessed in 12 May 2015)

Perrotin,TakashiMurakami (Online Site)

https://www.perrotin.com/artiste-Takashi_Murakami-12.html

(First accessed in 12 May 2015)

Maltese Carnival

Maltese Tradition

Carnival is a maltese tradition in malta and is a holiday that people celebrate.In this tradition people dress in costumes and celebrate the day of the floats and costumes with music and dancing.This holiday is popular in Valletta in Malta because in Valletta the whole tradition is held there with the addition of the King of the Carnival float.

King of Maltese Carnival float

Image available at :

http://image.slidesharecdn.com/carnival-120201232237-phpapp02/95/karnival-7-728.jpg?cb=1328141393

The king of carnival float was originally built to be held at each year of the holiday so that carnival begins with him coming out to the scene and being able to function with movement.People would then come around to watch him and some dancers along with music.After the king is done it is then placed aside as the other floats come in to do their own show with their own style and functions.People would enjoy seeing different styles and artistic ways of floats.

Up carnival float

Image available at :

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5011/5503520912_b01080d923_z.jpg

These floats are made in garages where they are made over a year before the actual holiday.The floats are made with wire structures as the skeleton in it which is then covered up with cardboard and newspaper.The newspaper will then be painted over to give it an artistic taste so that the structure will be done to go to the festival.With the float people will design matching costumes and clothing for the dancers to go with the float and match the dancing with the music.

Here are some designs of the carnival costumes which i found interesting in their design and textile clothing : 

Image available at :

https://www.maltaproducts.com/images/malta_articles/5506036535_4620025297.jpg

Image available at :

https://www.gov.mt/en/Government/Press%20Releases/Press%20Photos/PublishingImages/2013/February/day09/MGOZ_09022013_01.jpg

Image available at :

http://www.gozoandmalta.com/images/Gozo/carnival%20gozo.jpg

These designs are interesting to me because of the fabric they used and the props they use into their clothing.The props could also be made using the same technique from the floats using the cardboard and newspaper and then they would be stuck onto the clothing.Either way it is interesting to think and that this is a maltese tradition.

Sources

Maltamedia,Carnival (Online Site)

http://www.maltamedia.com/features/carnival/2007/02/

(First accessed in 12 May 2015)

Carnaval,Malta (Online Site)

http://www.carnaval.com/malta/carnival/#

(First accessed in 12 May 2015)