Article | Three New RISD Global Summer Courses Explore the Arts in Greece, Japan and the Philippines

“The Spanish conquistador called the natives of the Visayas, the first locals they encountered, pintados (painted people) because their bodies conveyed zigzags, diamonds, circles, lines, and other geometric configurations. They appeared to be dressed in a kind of handsome armor engraved with very fine work, a dress so esteemed by them they take it for their proudest attire...By their own resplendence, tattoos project a sense of heightened physical beauty, though they’re worth much more than that. Never just skin-deep, they reflect the Filipino soul.”
-Who is the Pintados, Anita Feleo

Manga, a term that represents a style and tradition of comics and cartooning developed in Japan during the late 19th century, has spread in global popularity the last few decades. As the artform increases its profile and influence on popular culture comics, animation, film, and art academics, many Illustrators and academics are becoming interested in learning the craft, and unique aspects of the artform. What better way of exploring the culture of manga and it’s many intricacies than traveling to its birthplace, Japan, and interfacing with an institution that specializes in teaching the craft?