. Busy with his first overseas solo exhibition.
PROFILE
. His style is characterized by pop and comical. He is constantly receiving offers to collaborate with global brands as well as privately owned boutiques, and has attracted attention from the fashion scene as well. He is also active in the art unit "UND" with illustrator Shinknownsuke. He also formed "Muddy Waterz" with Chihiro Ioka, owner of BACKDOOR/Supply, and delivers the podcast "Too Young To Know" once a week.
-I understand that you are holding a solo exhibition in Hong Kong this month.
FACE:. Yes, I am. This is the first time for me to hold a solo exhibition overseas, and I have never been to Hong Kong, so I am looking forward to it. I'm having a hard time at the moment because I'm so busy with production (laughs).
-Why did you decide to hold the event in Hong Kong?
FACE:All Rights Reserved" in Hong Kong, which has made figures of my illustrations and helped me in many other ways, will be hosting the exhibition. This is the same studio that became the talk of the town with Cowes's large balloon works.
-The figure released in 2021, a collaboration between FACE and "The Naked Director," was also produced by "All Rights Reserved," wasn't it? Figurines seem to be more difficult than illustrations.
FACE:It is not so much what I do, but it is difficult to convey to the sculptor the subtle nuances of the finished product when a flat surface is made into a three-dimensional object. A slight difference in sensitivity often results in blurring of the lines. I try to communicate with them in a way that allows us to proceed smoothly.
-In your activities, we are impressed by your collaborations with big names such as "adidas Originals" and "Stussy". When you collaborate with them, is there anything different from your own creations?
FACE: If it is a graphic for a T-shirt, I can use my usual style, but if it is a pair of sneakers, for example, I change it. If I simply incorporate my illustrations into the design, it would be difficult for people to wear them on a daily basis, so I try to design them from a fashion point of view while retaining my own personality. I want them to be something I can wear myself.
-. How long did it take you to create the works? How long did it take you to create them?
FACE: For a large solo exhibition, it usually takes about 3 months . I do not take on any other work, and concentrate solely on production. I generally do not work on Saturdays and Sundays, but during this period, I give up my days off to work on my artwork.
-Are you stuck in the studio during that time?
FACE: That's often what happens. I don't even go to the convenience store , I concentrate on the work.
-. Even with such a busy schedule, I have the impression that you have many hobbies, such as playing games, listening to the radio, mountain climbing, and making messenger bags. Do these things help you relax?
FACE: Yes, I am always trying new things. . I sometimes incorporate the knowledge and experience I gain there into my artwork. . I am interested in many things, and I feel as if I am looking for an opportunity to eventually create my own work.
-What kind of holiday do you want to spend after your solo exhibition in Hong Kong?
FACE: I'm planning to exhibit "UND" in August, so I'll be in the production period again soon (laughs). I'm itching to make a new messenger bag, and I can't wait to work on the new "The Legend of Zelda" that I've been looking forward to.
