IN MY BAG
A portrait of a person revealed through the contents of a bag. What does contemporary artist Ken Kagami carry in his "Eastpak" backpack?
Born in 1974 . Born in Tokyo, Japan. He has released drawings, sculptures, and other works, and has participated in numerous art exhibitions both in Japan and abroad. He runs his own store, "Strange Store," in Daikanyama, Tokyo, where he sells his own T-shirts and other goods.
Kagaemi. I always carry a bag on my back. Without it, my fashion look is lacking, my coordination is not complete, and I feel uncomfortable. So, regardless of whether I am on or off duty, I always take my bag with me when I go out.
Surprisingly (?) The person who gave me a serious answer was Ken Kagami, a well-known contemporary artist in HOUYHNHNM's. . Indeed, when we meet him in the studio for interviews, he always appears with a large bag on his back. I have never seen him carrying a small one.
KagaemiI like big bags. I don't like to walk around with something in both hands, and even when it rains, I don't want to carry an umbrella. . Even when I go shopping, I just throw everything into my bag.
Most of the time, what I usually carry with me are my work tools. In common with all working people, a notebook and a pen. The one thing that is typical of an artist is a notebook. I keep a notebook so that I can take a quick note whenever an idea strikes me. . And a sticker to write surrealistic words such as "Go home to your parents" and a pen for that purpose. Whenever he feels like it, he writes impromptu on the stickers.
Kagaemi. Then, depending on the climate, it could be a T-shirt for a change of clothes, a towel, or a blouson for cold days. . It's usually the same on vacations, too. I only add the kids' luggage to that. I also carry a fluorescent orange vest to make myself flashy because it's dangerous when I ride my bike.
What I am curious about is, after all, what kind of bags does Mr. Kagami like? . What I am interested in is, after all, what kind of bags does Mr. Kagami like?
KagaemiI only carry a messenger bag or a backpack like this one . As I mentioned earlier, I usually ride my bike, so my choices are either flashy colors or extremely simple. It's either that or the other. The construction should also be simple.
In terms of backpacks, I like the shape of a backpack with a main compartment and a front pocket, like this Eastpak item. I usually keep my important things in my pants pocket, and even if the contents of my bag get messy, I know where they are by feel.
I wonder what kind of image Kagami-san has of the Eastpak brand.
Kagaemi. I have the impression that children overseas are carrying "Eastpak" backpacks. They all have graffiti on them, which is unique. I used to do the same thing and write graffiti on my own bag.
Eastpak is also known for its active collaboration with artists and maison brands. Recently, the brand released an item incorporating Andy Warhol's pop art.
KagaemiOnce upon a time, I saw a picture of Warhol carrying a backpack somewhere, and I'm sure it was made by Eastpak.
If Kagami and Eastpak were to collaborate, what kind of bag would be created? He gave us a serious look, saying, "It's difficult..." At the end of the interview, he gave it some serious thought.
KagaemiHow about if I hand-draw only the tag part? It would be fun to make it look a bit like a crackpot (laughs). (Laughs.) With that kind of arrangement, it could be used in everyday life.
." "This is a menu from TÚ LAN, a Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco. The food is really good, and the menu is so cool that I told the guy at the restaurant that I wanted it, and luckily he gave it to me.
. It's rare in Japan, but most people in other countries wear bicycle helmets. At thrifts in the U.S., when I find a helmet with a cool old design, I tend to buy it.
The size is cute and the design is basic. The fact that it only has a main compartment is also to my liking. I think it has universal appeal because the functionality is not overdone.
I bought this when I was in San Francisco the other day . I found a place to put in batteries, so I tried it, but it didn't work at all (laughs). (Laughs.) Now I have it at the Strange Store.
I used to be a member of a baseball team, so I feel uncomfortable unless I am wearing a cap. . I like plain and simple designs. Just like helmets, I collect cool caps even if I don't wear them.
The notebook cover I usually use is from "TOGA. I like it because it is flashy. I put a sticker from a certain red-letter magazine on the back of it to give it a touch of originality.
. this is a safety mesh vest that I sometimes wear when I ride my bike. . I draw my own graphics on the back. Besides this one, I have a stock of them at home (laughs). I tend to wear it at night."
Keroppi's pouch is used as a tissue case . The red one is a business card case that came with my messenger bag. The red one is a business card case, and I use the one that came with my messenger bag.
. I use markers to draw words on stickers and such. The last one I bought in San Francisco was for a construction site, and it was an amazing marker that hardened immediately after I drew on it and wouldn't peel off."
." and sold at the Strange Store with the words "Go Home to Your Parents" written here. . you can find these in the U.S. Postal Service. They are in large quantities in relatively small post offices, and we stock them there."
. "I always carry a towel with me during the hot season. . These are towels given to me by the water server company I use at home. For some reason, there are many light-colored towels. I like them because they feel good against my skin."
. the reason I have two notebooks is because I have one for notes and one for cleanup. I write down more specific ideas in the notebook for my notes. I never show this to anyone."
The standard model "PADDEO PAK'R" has been greatly increased in size, and it is large enough for a trip of about 2 nights and 3 days. It also matches well with trendy big silhouette clothes, making it suitable for daily use.
SPRINGER" is made of luxurious suede with a sense of weight. The brand's logo is casually stamped in a cool pattern. SPRINGER ￥8,000
Phone: 0120-900-736
www.eastpak.jp
