London-based graphic artist Will Sweeney's first solo exhibition in Japan in 11 years, "Vorpal Sword," will be held at the Diesel Art Gallery in Shibuya, Tokyo, from March 2nd to May 24th.

Vorpal Sword 2017 ©WILL SWEENEY
Sweeney is a popular illustrator and graphic artist who has held solo exhibitions around the world, including London, Paris, LA, Madrid, Tokyo, and Melbourne. While working on graphics for a wide range of high-end clients, from record jackets to fashion textiles, Will Sweeney is also popular for his psychedelic adventure comic, "Tales from Greenfuzz." His past clients include Stella McCartney and Undercover.

Energy Cannot Be Destroyed 2017 ©WILL SWEENEY
This is Will Sweeney's first major exhibition in Japan in 11 years. The newly commissioned works represent a new venture, featuring a wealth of vibrant colors and larger sizes than his previous works. They are painted more freely and creatively using watercolors, gel markers, and ink. Also on display is a series of microcosm paintings inspired by biological and medical illustrations. These freehand brushstrokes depict cross-sections of worlds, depicting aliens and their technology, then further detailed with ballpoint pen, creating a supernatural atmosphere reminiscent of 1970s science fiction. "Vorpal Sword," a newly drawn and painted work, explores Will's thoughts about the apocalypse, the evolution of the microcosm, and his entrapment in fantastical technology. The title of the exhibition, "Vorpal Sword," is inspired by Lewis Carroll's nonsense poem "The Jabberwocky." Other works on display include a video work created in collaboration with London-based artist and musician Subway Lung, as well as Sweeney's previously unpublished work, sketchbooks, and collectibles. In addition to the exhibited works, limited-edition silkscreen posters, zines, and other exhibition-related merchandise will also be available for purchase during the exhibition. A signing session is also scheduled to be held at the venue from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on March 3rd.