Edo Ball

Book excerpt: A captivating work of cultural blending unlike anything created prior, Andrew Archer's Edo Ball must be seen to be believed. This series of paintings seamlessly fuses contemporary basketball imagery with Edo-period Japanese art and culture, with captivating results. Often front and centre, an NBA personality is dramatically reimagined and yet recognizable, surrounded by the myriad trappings of the 'floating' world. Brief accompanying texts describe the thematic connections between each painting's converging themes and explore the roles that culture, community, celebrity, and games play in our daily lives.