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Tag Archives: Japan

Releases: Haroshi x Uniful Limited Edition Skateboards

On September 5th, Japanese artist Haroshi (featured) introduced his limited edition skateboard decks released through Japanese skateboarding company Uniful. Thug For Life in the Shibuya district of Tokyo was packed with people that were interested in this release that instantly became hit in Asia. Along with the signed and numbered decks, the artist introduced a new sculpture that was made especially for this event. The concept behind the piece are shaking hands, a world wide symbol of connection between people. As much as skateboarding is a world […]

Openings: KAWS – “Ohhh…” @ Kaikai Kiki

Just hours ago, Murakami’s Kaikai Kiki Gallery in Tokyo hosted the opening of KAWS‘ latest solo show entitled Ohh… The exhibition has been a long time coming for the NY-based artist’s fans and collectors in Japan, also home to his OriginalFake store. Along with exploring a slightly different color palette with rectangular pieces, some of his popular tondo paintings were also included in this new body of work. Although his love for SpongeBob is present throughout, the centerpieces of the show saw the return of two […]

Preview: KAWS – “Ohhh…” @ Kaikai Kiki

Tomorrow night (May 2nd) in Tokyo, KAWS will be opening a new solo show entitled Ohhh… at the Kaikai Kiki Gallery. Combining the rare talents of the New York-based artist in the setting of Japan art god Takashi Murakami’s showspace is sure to lead to a star-packed reception as well as a feeding frenzy among his local fans and those that have flown in for the exhibition. For those who aren’t in town, take a look at some preview images of the work below… Discuss […]

Studio Visits: Haroshi

Only two weeks after his trip to Mexico, where he revealed a trophy that was commissioned by Nike for their big Tampa Pro skateboarding contest, Japanese artist and passionate skateboard lover, Haroshi, welcomed us in his studio in Tokyo. Even though he’s a world wide recognized artist, whose shows are regularly selling out and has major skateboard related companies struggling to commission him to do work for them, his studio is not much more than a “skateboarder’s lair.” There are posters, cutouts and photographs of […]

Upcoming: José Parlá – “Prose” @ Yuka Tsuruno Gallery

This Thursday, Cuban-American artist José Parlá will unveil a new body of work in Japan. Entitled Prose, this solo exhibition will be held at Tokyo’s Yuka Tsuruno Gallery. This fresh series of paintings, in the words of Mr. Parlá, will focus on the “stream of consciousness – a rhythmic structure that carries the energy and poetic painting body in flux with dance – defined by memory brought into action in its own moment – imbedded in an improvisational blend of performance – founded on research and observation […]

Preview / Setup: JR @ Watarium Museum (Tokyo)

If you remember, late last year, we shared with you some photos of JR touring Japan to spread his Inside Out love in his giant photo booth / converted truck. Turns out, that was only a precursor for a show opening officially this weekend at the Watarium Museum in Tokyo. As you can see from these preview images, the French “photograffeur” is already busy prepping the outside and inside of the institution with his distinctive work. Photos via Alabaz and the artist. Discuss JR here.

Streets: JR (Japan)

After working on a particularly poignant mural in Washingon DC, JR has headed to the Far East to spread his Inside Out love. Going mobile with his giant photo booth in a converted truck, the French photograffeur has been traveling though Japan with his crew and local volunteers, focusing especially in areas hit by the devastating tsunami which still have not completely recovered over on year out. More photos below… Photos via the artist. Discuss JR here.

Ryan McGinley – “Reach Out, I’m Right Here” @ Tomio Koyama Gallery

After simultaneous showings back in May at Team Gallery locations in New York (covered here & here), Ryan McGinley traveled to Japan for a solo at the Tomio Koyama Gallery. The exhibition entitled Reach Out, I’m Right Here (which recently closed), featured more of McGinley’s luminous photographs featuring his work with models interacting with nature as well as live animals from various sanctuaries, zoos, and rescue establishments across the United States. Take a look at what you missed below… Tipped off by TWBE. Discuss Ryan McGinley here.

Upcoming / Video: Yoshitomo Nara – “a bit like you and me…” @ Yokohama Museum of Art

This Saturday, July 14th, the Yokohama Museum of Art will be opening Yoshitomo Nara’s newest show a bit like you and me…, 11 years since the Japanese artist’s last solo there in 2001. The title of the exhibition is taken from a song by the Beatles, Nowhereman, expressing the relationship between the artist and his works and between his works and the viewer, as mentioned in the artist statement. The showing will consists of all new works including paintings, drawings, and large sculptures made of bronze, a material Nara worked with for the first […]

Teasers: Masakatsu Sashie – “Invisible Hand” @ Mizuma Gallery

In his first solo exhibition since De Facto Standard way back in 2009, Masakatsu Sashie will present a new series of work at Mizuma Gallery that riff on his signature seemingly self-autonomous orbs. Entitled the Invisible Hand, his current body of retro-futuristic work references Adam Smith’s 1759 economic metaphor stating the market magically self-regulates for the betterment of society when individuals act out of their own self-interests, an argument that could easily be considered flawed in the modern era of complex derivatives and rampant greed that […]