New York Animinicon, at the SoHo Gallery for Digital Art, premiered on Friday, July 30. This three-day celebration of all things anime, manga, and Japanese culture was the most extensive in a growing list of speculative-fiction centered events at the new gallery space. SF impresario John Ordover certainly has greater visions for his gallery than merely displaying art (although some of the art he’s displayed has been truly remarkable), and the digital screens are used to great effect, either as the focus of attention, or as a thematic background for whatever event is happening (in this case, displaying beautiful examples of anime).
Activities kicked off Friday night with a screening of Shônen Onmyôgi, followed by a cosplay meet-and-greet featuring the SoHo Host Club with refreshments and prizes for the best costumes. In attendance were the three guest speakers: Misako Rocks, Brian Mah, and Dane Robinson.
Saturday started with some films and presentations, and then the first speaker, Misako Rocks, spoke about her books and art, which was on display on the gallery screens. After her talk, she signed books and sold prints. Lots of her fans attended and were thrilled to see and talk with her. Next up was Brian Mah, who spoke about living and working in Japan and the culture there, and then segued into a discussion of traditional animation. After his talk, he answered questions and mingled with the crowd. The third guest speaker, Dane Robinson, discussed writing, film, and music.
Saturday evening, co-chair Alexandra Honigsberg played her viola in accompaniment to anime films, just like the old-time silent movies. She was incredible, and the performance was beautiful. Following the films, she gave a talk about music and film to an entranced audience.
Sunday wrapped up with a Victorian, Gothic, and Lolita Tea Party featuring the SoHo Host Club, followed by an anime screening (viewers’ choice).
Running concurrently with the programming all weekend was a small but effective dealers’ room and social lounge in the newly refurbished basement of the gallery. The dealers weren’t merely retailers of mass-produced merchandise, but several of them were artists and designers in their own right, producing the jewelry, costumes, and toys they had for sale on the spot.
All three days were fun, colorful, and entertaining. This fabulous event was co-chaired by Gallery administrator and anime-aficionado Kim Kindya and local author/musician Alexandra Honigsberg.
Huge anime conventions are interesting for their diversity, but at this smaller con, I felt much more a part of the activities, and much more connected with the other people who were there. I was pleased to see so many people attending and enjoying themselves; I enjoyed every minute I was there, and I’m looking forward to next year’s event!