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Tag Archives: Tokyo

Upcoming: 2nd Annual “Ema Show” @ Hatos Bar (Tokyo)

Posted by sleepboy, February 10, 2016

Starting on February 13th, a show organized by Hellion Gallery will be showing in Tokyo at the Hatos Bar. It’s appropriate that the 2nd annual Ema Show will start in Japan as the concept was to have artists paint the small wooden plaques on which Shinto worshipers write their prayers or wishes. Each participant was given three of the Ema plaques, so there will be two more left for future shows at Hellion’s Portland space (April 7th) and Galerie Artistik Rezo in Paris (June 21st). The […]

Openings: Hajime Sorayama @ NANZUKA Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, February 4, 2016

Last weekend in Tokyo, renowned creator of the “sexy robot” Hajime Sorayama opened a solo show at NANZUKA Gallery. Along with a couple sculptural representations of his erotic automatons, the Japanese artist also introduced a new series of works inspired by Marilyn Monroe and her famous quote – “An actress is not a machine, but they treat you like a machine.” Take a look at more photos from the exhibition below… Artwork: ©Hajime Sorayama (courtesy of NANZUKA). Photo credit: Intelligence & NANZUKA (installation shots). Discuss Hajime Sorayama here.

Showing: Takashi Murakami – “500 Arhats” @ Mori Art Museum

Posted by sleepboy, January 2, 2016

Currently at the Mori Art Museum is Takashi Murakami’s The 500 Arhats, surprisingly his first solo show in Japan in over 14 years when it opened. Fans of the locally-based artist in Tokyo have been spoiled as of late as they were able to enjoy a concurrent show at Kaikai Kiki that closed late last year, but have no fear – the museum exhibition is open through March 6th. The major showing from founder of the Superflat movement features a series of sculptures and paintings that he was moved to create after […]

Openings: James Jean – “Zugzwang” @ Hidari Zingaro

Posted by sleepboy, November 24, 2015

Earlier this month, as a part of GEISAI∞infinity project curated by Takashi Murakami, James Jean (interviewed) opened up a solo show at Kaikai Kiki’s Hidari Zingaro in Tokyo. Entitled Zugzwang, the new body of work highlighted some of the American artist’s imaginative imagery in a large scale form that mirrored his moleskin sketches that we have come to love. Along with these figurative gems created in a blue hue and accented with red and pink, Jean also contributed a more painterly triptych that dominated the room. Photo credit: Ksn. Discuss this show here. Discuss James Jean here.

Showing: Takashi Murakami -“Ensō” @ Kaikai Kiki Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, November 12, 2015

Currently on view through November 21st at the Kaikai Kiki Gallery in Tokyo is a show from Takashi Murakami entitled Ensō. Presented by Galerie Perrotin, the popup exhibition is planned to run concurrently with the Japanese artist’s 500 Arhats at the Mori Art Museum and continues his exploration on themes seen in Zen Buddhism. The Ensō (literally circle) symbolizes emptiness, unity and infinity, and you can see that the motif is used repeatedly in this new body of work. Interestedly enough, Murakami has also been using spray paint, oftentimes juxtaposed over his […]

Showing: Usugrow – “Organic Contrast” @ Diesel Art Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, November 7, 2015

Showing for one more week through November 13th is Usugrow’s show at Diesel Art Gallery in Shibuya. Entitled Organic Contrast, the exhibition features the Japanese artist’s distinctive mix of calligraphy and Los Angeles “cholo” culture. The exhibition is the locally-based artist’s first solo in Japan in the last 10 years and includes nearly 40 artworks, some of which show a new direction. Photo credit: Miki Matsushima. Discuss Usugrow here.

Streets / POW! WOW! Japan 2015: Recap

Posted by sleepboy, November 6, 2015

Last month, the POW! WOW! crew completed the first leg of their Asia tour by hitting up Tokyo with live art, installations, and musical performances. The inaugural edition of POW! WOW! Japan featured work from Mark Dean Veca, Case, Colasa, Cook One (seen above), Kamea Hadar, Frankie Cihi, Jay Shogo, Hitotzuki (Kami & Sasu), Luise Ono, Dave Kinsey, Fafi, Ben Horton, Usugrow, Yoshiyasu Tamura, BAKIBAKI, Takizo, and Shizentomotel. As we speak, a new set of artists have moved on to the second part the event – […]

FriendsWithYou x Moncler (Ginza Flagship Store)

Posted by sleepboy, November 6, 2015

Continuing their commercial endeavors, FriendsWithYou recently collaborated with Moncler on a new collection of jackets, sweatshirts and sweaters featuring their iconic imagery. The line entitled Happy Virus was created to launch the new flagship store in Tokyo in the top-flight Ginza shopping district. Adding in the Los Angeles-based duo’s graphics, plushes, and other design cues to the displays led to an immersive playground for shoppers who stopped by to check out the Italian-French brand’s new space. Discuss FriendsWithYou here.

Previews: James Jean – “Zugzwang” @ Hidari Zingaro

Posted by SAL, November 3, 2015

As a part of GEISAI∞infinity project curated by Takashi Murakami and Takumi “Kasenyan” Kaseno of the GEISAI Executive Committee, Kaikai Kiki’s Zingaro galleries in Nakano Broadway, Tokyo will be showing Zugzwang, a solo show by Taiwanese-born artist James Jean. This event set to open on November 7th is the eighth installment of the project that is helping graffiti artists, street artists, and other cross-genre creators from around the world debut and showcase their works in the Japanese capital. Organised as the 8th installment of GEISAI∞infinity project that’s been running for 14 years, the show from the American artist will feature a […]

Upcoming: Tim Barber – “Blues” @ Yuka Tsuruno Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, October 7, 2015

This Saturday (October 10th), Tim Barber will be opening a new solo at Yuka Tsuruno Gallery, his fourth showing with the Tokyo showspace. Blues is a new series of photographs taken by the New York-based artist on his iPhone and then printed using cyanotype technique in a hue referenced by the title of the show. Images of various sizes from old and new series will be on display and for those interested, book signings of the monograph Blues will be held at the gallery and at […]