Turning the very shape of sound into art. The synergy between DJ KRUSH and Takao Obata has given birth to a new form of art.

Records, once used to capture music, have now become tools for drawing. An exhibition titled “MOVE THE VINYL — BEAT KRUSH —,” showcasing works born from this unique concept, is currently being held at “TRUNK (HOTEL) CAT STREET” in Jingumae, Tokyo.

This exhibition features original works by sculptor Taku Obata created using the monotype printmaking technique for DJ KRUSH’s new album, *TOKYØHUM*. The works were created using vinyl records from DJ KRUSH’s previous album, *Saisei*.

Obata, while staying true to his themes of “human movement” and “the movement of mass,” sought to answer the question: “What kind of expression can only be created through KRUSH?” His answer was to create art using KRUSH vinyl records themselves.

By cutting into a record and using it like a spatula, the artist transfers the shape of the grooves etched into the record’s surface onto paper. By turning the medium that records music itself into a drawing tool, the artist transforms the traces of sound into visual expressions.

"TOKYØHUM" Album Cover: Exhibited Works

Even more intriguing is the creative process involving the printmaking technique known as monotype. Unlike conventional printmaking, this technique generally produces one-of-a-kind pieces; however, for this project, the artist also employed a technique called “ghosting,” which involves leaving traces of paint from a previous print and layering new imagery over them. In this way, six works were created in sequence, each building upon the previous image. This series of works is also featured on the front and back covers of the album’s vinyl edition.

Obata is an artist with experience as a B-BOY who has created sculptures centered on the themes of physical movement and gravity.

DJ KRUSH has treated turntables as musical instruments and pursued his own unique style of musical expression.

This work brings together the artistic sensibilities of two artists active in different fields through the shared medium of the record. It offers a rare opportunity to view not only the finished album cover but also the original artwork that inspired it up close.

On the final day, Thursday, November 19, a special DJ event featuring DJ KRUSH, DJ BEAT, and DJ CHIEF will also be held. Be sure to check out this program, which bridges the gap between the exhibition and the live music scene.