The Art of The Sumo.

Sumo wrestling itself is definitely considered an art form as well as a popular sport to watch within Japan. It also has various pieces of art dedicated to it, which we viewed in Tokyo's sumo stadium museum, in Ryogoku- the sumo district of Tokyo.

This modern sculpture represents the sumo wrestlers in an extremely basic and simple form- in fact, looking at it now, if it wasn't situated within the sumo district of Tokyo, I don't think many people would be able to identify them as sumo wrestlers. Being in the subway station of the sumo district also definitely advertises the local sport well, capturing the artistic and cultural side of it.

 The above painting was presented on the outside of the sumo stadium.

The above wooden sculpture represents the dramatic side of sumo wrestling. It is commonly thought of as a bit of a joke sport, particularly within the Western part of the world, as a bunch of overweight people fighting in a ring. This sculpture challenges this stereotype well, as the huge muscular arms and strength and skill of the body that is required for sumo wrestling is depicted well throughout the form, shape and expression shown on sculpture.

The above poster was a photocopy, posted on the outside of the sumo stadium museum. The illustrations looked really old and I imagined it to be an old advertising poster for a local sumo tournament. I wasn't able to read any of it, but the illustrations successfully communicated the artistic form of the sumo sport.