Even if you see a winning pattern, you want to shift it.
What were you concerned about when you were creating the pop-up space for this event?
Great North:In the beginning, we were talking about how it would be nice to have some kind of kiosk and book fair element. Then, very early on, Stefan (artist Stefan Marx), who also drew the "Salt & Pepper" logo, came up with the logo we had requested for the pop-up. But from there, it was difficult.
Sato:We wanted to create an expression that could not be achieved by "BEAMS T" alone, and we wanted to create a development that would only be possible with "Salt and Pepper," so we asked ourselves, "What should we do?
Great North:I wasn't sure what the right answer was. If the interior was decorated like a museum, it would not be easy for customers to enjoy, and if art books were just displayed on a flat surface, customers would just go around the store and that would be the end of it. I thought that if we put a bookshelf, but also displayed photos on the wall, or placed a three-dimensional object in the center of the space and lined up art T-shirts and other products at the end of it, it would be easier for customers to understand what the store is about. In many ways, we were conscious of the "BEAMS T" style, but we also thought about how we could blend it into the worldview presented by "Salt & Pepper. The previous examples have given us an idea of where "BEAMS T Harajuku" would land, but we also tried to shift it slightly from that point.
The contents of the wooden box, which was about two meters long on its longest side, were works by Alain Gregory to be exhibited in the center. . It was packed tightly with cushioning and other materials.
. So the space was created through such exchanges and changes in ideas.
Great North:Yes, that's right. In the center of the space, we displayed Alan's (artist ARRAN GREGORY) "Singularity," a three-dimensional work with a scorpion motif, entirely in black mirror, and we thought of surrounding it. On the walls, we displayed B0-size works by Mr. Onami (photographer Jiro Onami) that he exhibited at the opening of "Salt and Pepper," and we also made a hut out of clear tin sheets and laid out zines inside it. Outside, a glass table was decorated with works by Cho Ongo, a photographer who also takes pictures at HOUYHNHNM's, and on top of the table was a work by Shino Takeda, a ceramic artist. . I would especially like to draw your personal attention to Alan's work.
Sato:It was quite a while ago, but there was a time when Mr. Ohkita told me that he had recently become very interested in three-dimensional artworks, and he was referring to Alain. So, when we went to London together, we went to see him. I saw his work right in front of me, and he was so cool that I was really excited (laughs).
Great North:It was crazy good, wasn't it? . in a huge space in the backwoods of England. Alan introduced me to him when he came to Japan about 6 years ago, and we hung out for a few days then, and I bought some posters from him after that. I also bought a piece called "Panther" individually, but it was too big and I was wondering when to have it sent to him, so I still haven't received it yet (laughs).
It took five adults to lift the work, which was 165 centimeters long on its longest side, and after placing it on the pedestal, the crowd erupted in cheers. Mr. Sato showed no signs of fatigue, wiping the surface with a serious look on his face, even though he was only a few minutes away from crossing the date. According to Mr. Ohkita, "The fulcrum of the work is well thought out, and the balance is better than I had expected. Of course, his works are on display and for sale at "BEAMS T Harajuku.
