FLAG:::Foreigner’s Live Art Guide:::外国人のためのライブアートガイド

Maya AKASHIKA + CHIAKI, with Yoshihiro TANIGUCHI (FM802/digmeout)

2010-04-27T11:26:18Z

Digmeout is a project organized by FM802 to discover artists with the theme "Young art, from Osaka to the world". The digmeout EXHIBITION 2010, held at d-ba--the gallery space in Umeda's fashion building E-ma--is the best chance to feel a breath of new talent. FLAG met with Maya AKASHIKA, CHIAKI and producer Yoshihiro TANIGUCHI for an interview.

「ヤングアート、大阪から世界へ」をテーマに、数多くのアーティストを世に送り出してきたFM802主催のアーティスト発掘プロジェクトdigmeout。梅田のファッションビルE-maのギャラリースペースd-baで開催されるdigmeout EXHIBITION 2010は、新しい才能の息吹を感じる絶好の機会。とりわけFLAG注目の赤鹿麻耶とCHIAKI、そしてプロデューサーの谷口純弘に話を聞いた。

A photographer taking pictures of mysterious worlds, Maya AKASHIKA (center of photo) majored in East Asian Visual Culture, but only started taking photos when she joined a photography school. "I watched a lot of Chinese films dating mainly from the 50s~70s. I was attracted by the colors and the development of stories without punch lines. This has an influence in my works." Even with a style like a cut out scene from a surreal Chinese movie, there's no plan she says, surprisingly. "I hit on ideas steadily as we're moving around, and I bring them together in the end." Akashika herself doesn't stick to the idea that "people who can do anything are cool, so I'm gonna try anything". She's quite indifferent, and communicates with a very piercing style.

不可思議な世界を撮る写真家、赤鹿麻耶（写真中央）は大学で東アジア映像文化論を専攻中、写真部に入部したのをきっかけに写真を撮り始めた。「特に50-70年代の中国映画をよく観ました。オチのないストーリー展開や色味に惹かれるものがあって。それは作品にも影響しています。」シュールな中国映画の１シーンを切り取ったような作風だが、意外にもプランはないという。「動き回りながら思いついたことをどんどんやって、最後にまとめます。今回展示する作品もここ１−２年に友人を撮ったもので、現場での思いつきです。」プロデューサーの谷口氏も推す独特の世界観だが、赤鹿自身は「なんでも出来る人がかっこいいと思うので、なんでもやってみたい。」と固執しない。あっけらかんとしたその性格は、突き抜けた作風にも通じる。

CHIAKI's works (photo right) are paintings with collages as a base. Unlike her style, her collages are made of rubbish. "I make collages from the various rubbish I collect, like the expiry label from the bread or a vacuum cleaner filter, and so on. I like the unexpected things that come from making the surface all lumpy." Her motives don't really differ from extreme fashion: they're curious dreams. "I dream about things like my grandfather being buried in tatami mats, or using flamingos as golf clubs. Dreams are my inspiration." She makes works with people; however, the reason is for 'parts.' "There are various parts in people and a lot of activity. You can paint a totally different picture by moving just one finger. I want to paint pictures that make people wonder what this person is doing; they have no idea if he/she is angry or laughing." CHIAKI will be painting live during this exhibition on the weekend. "I want everyone to see the work finished right there! My own concept is 'every day is my birthday,' so I'm happy every day!"

CHIAKI（写真右）の作品は、コラージュをベースにしたペインティング。作風に似合わず、コラージュの素材はゴミだという。「パンの賞味期限のラベルや掃除機のフィルターなど、いろいろなゴミを拾っておいて、それをコラージュします。表面をボコボコにすることで生まれる偶然が好きです。」ストーリーを考えるきっかけは、過激なファッションに違ず、奇妙な夢。「おじいちゃんが畳に埋まっていたり、フラミンゴをゴルフバットで殴ったりする夢をみます。夢がインスピレーションです。」人物を中心にした作品が多いが、その理由は"パーツ"だという。「人には、いろいろなパーツがあって、たくさん動きがある。指をひとつ動かすだけで違う絵が描ける。怒っているのか笑っているのか分からないような、何考えているんだろうこの子という絵を描きたいです。」会期中、週末には彼女のライブペインティングが行われる。「その場で絵が出来上がっていくところを見てほしいです。『毎日が誕生日』がコンセプトで、毎日がハッピーです！」

Digmeout is always discovering exciting artists. Producer Taniguchi analyzes this secret. "I see characters come out of works and I think 'I wanna meet this guy.' Maybe I'm building up a style with a DJ-like intuition, producing consistency from a variety of music genres." I asked about the highlight for the latest exhibition at E-ma. "I think this is a great chance for art to become more widespread in life with this exhibition at E-ma, a fashion and food spot. For example, someone could buy some art for their boyfriend. I think E-ma is a place with that potential."

常に刺激的なアーティストを発掘するdigmeout。プロデューサーの谷口はその秘訣をこう分析する。「こいつに会ってみたいという、作品から出てくるキャラクターで見てるね。色んなジャンルの曲があっても、まとめると一貫してるみたいな、DJ的な感覚でスタイルを作り上げているかもしれない。」初となるイーマでの展示の見所を聞いた。「イーマというファッションと食の施設で、アートが生活にもっと浸透するきっかけになると良いなと思うね。例えば、例えば彼氏にアートを買ってあげるとか、映画を観に来た人が不意に作品に感動するとか。イーマはその可能性がある場所だと思う。」

The digmeout EXHIBITION 2010 will be held from March 30th until April 13th at d-ba, the gallery space on the 1st floor of E-ma. There will also be a portfolio review on the weekend for interested artists. This is a must-see exhibition for art fans and artists who want to promote themselves alike.

digmeout EXHIBITION 2010は、3月30日から4月13日までE-ma一階のギャラリースペースd-baで開催。土日はファイル講評も受付ける。アートファンも、売り込みたいアーティストも必見の展覧会だ。

Maya AKASHIKA:  Born in Osaka in 1985. Graduated from Kansai University, Department of Chinese and Chinese Culture, majoring in East Asian Visual Culture. Afterwards, entered into a night vocational school studying photography. Currently a second-year student.

赤鹿麻耶（あかしかまや）
1985年大阪府生まれ。関西大学文学部中国語中国文化学科東アジア映像文化論専攻卒業。その後写真専門学校の夜間学部に入学。現在2年生。2009年関西御苗場でdigmeout賞。

CHIAKI : Born in Osaka in 1986. Won the UNIQLO CREATIVE AWARD (Yayoi KUSAMA Prize) in 2007; 'Illustration' magazine's Choice winner (judged by Akira UNO), Oogimachi "Chance Park" FM802 Prize in 2009.

CHIAKI　（チアキ）
1986年大阪府生まれ。2007年UNIQLO CREATIVE AWARD草間彌生賞、2009年イラストレーション誌チョイス宇野亜喜良審査入選、扇町「チャンスパーク」FM802賞。

Atsushi Takeuchi (竹内厚) from Re:S

2010-04-27T10:51:04Z

http://re-s.jp/

I'm an editor based in Osaka belonging to Re:S, an abbreviation of Re:Standard, which publishes an online magazine (formerly a paper magazine) with the same name. I'm covering various things--themes like 'photographs', or even 'water bottles'--using every nook and cranny throughout Japan as my setting. Also, I edit things like "Seika Note", a free booklet from Kyoto Seika University and I produce other books as well. I'm also touring sacred places untiringly with a team called 'fernich'. A few days ago, we visited the rear shrine at Ikari Jinja in Yoshino, Nara that was TOTALLY SICK.

大阪を拠点に編集業。Re:S（りす）はRe:Standardを略したことばで、同じ名前の雑誌を、今はWebにて展開。写真や水筒などをテーマにして、日本全国津々浦々を舞台に取材を行っている。他にも、京都精華大学のフリー冊子「セイカノート」を編集したり、単行本をつくったり。fernichというチームで聖地巡りもコツコツと。先日訪れた、奈良・吉野にある井光神社の奥宮はヤバかった。

Kurome Garou (黒目画廊)

http://kuromegarou.seesaa.net/

Opened in January in a rented out old apartment in Konohana. At a location right in the middle of a old town residential area overflowing with atmosphere, and with lots of equipment and art objects brought into this boarding room, it's INTERESTING. With Yoshinori HENGUCHI at the center, they're frequently holding not just exhibitions, but also live performances.

此花にある古いアパートを借りきって1月にオープン。下町の雰囲気あふれる住宅街のど真ん中という立地、数々の機材やオブジェなどが持ち込まれた下宿空間もオモシロイ。アーティスト辺口芳典を中心に、展示だけじゃなくライブパフォーマンスなども頻繁に開催。

UMA/design farm, Yuma HARADA (原田祐馬)

http://umamu.jp/

Yuma HARADA is a designer who deals in wide range of designs, such as space/interior design for galleries and exhibitions, and also graphic design, like art catalogs and book designs for artwork collections. He's in great demand with art related persons because of his daring and cool visuals that have a real sensitivity, "cuddling up" (so to speak) to the subject and the artists. Last year, he planned and managed "DESIGNEAST" at Nakanoshima Banks. You just cannot take your eyes off his activities as an instigator too.

ギャラリーや展覧会などの空間デザインから、アートカタログや作品集などのブックデザインまでを手がけるデザイナー、原田祐馬。大胆でクールなビジュアルと、相手に寄り添うようなセンシティブな感覚が同居した仕事ぶりで、アート関係者から引っ張りだこ。昨年は、中之島バンクスを会場にした『DESIGNEAST』も企画、運営するなど、仕掛け人としても目が離せない。

BMC

http://bldg-mania.blogspot.com/

The BMC (= Building Mania Club) admire buildings erected during the period of rapid economic growth. Buildings that you would otherwise just walk innocently past actually have diverse personalities, and the BMC will tell you about the appeal behind what is called--like 'Hanami'--'Birumi' (Building Viewing). Recently they've created a hideout in the Tetsudo Koukokusha Building (Railroad Advertising Building), and along with the monthly Stairway Bar and other building recreational activities, they're in the process of sending out a variety of information.

高度経済成長期に立てられたビルを愛でるBMC=ビルマニアカフェ。何気なく前を通り過ぎてただけのビルにも多彩な個性があること、いわゆる花見ならぬビル見の魅力を教えてくれる。最近は西天満にある鉄道広告社ビルをアジト化、月１のBAR階段室とかビル遊びもいろいろ発信中。

Next, the baton goes to Noriko MURATA from FUKUGAN GALLERY

次のバトンはFUKUGAN GALLERYの村田典子さんへ

Festart Osaka 2010, FLAG Art Walk!

2010-04-02T08:21:33Z

Come check out Festart galleries with us!
西天満〜北船場を巡るFestartギャラリーツアー

When: April 17th, 1:00pm~6:00pm
Where: Start from Yodoyabashi Station (M17) EXIT 13
How Much: Only ¥500!

Bring walking shoes and your copy of FLAG!
More information will be updated continuously!

詳しくは　oootoiawase@gmail.com　まで連絡して下さい。
Mail the above address if you're interested!

If you'd like to come at the last minute, or can't find us, call Duncan on 090-6600-2898!
土壇場で来そうでしたら、もしかして僕たち探せない場合、ダンカンに電話として下さい!

Planned walking tour (details may change):

Meet: Subway Yodoyabashi Station (Midosuji Line, M17), EXIT 13

1. Gallery Nii
2. Sai Gallery
3. Kouichi Fine Arts
4. Port Gallery T
5. Tsuchiya Contemporary Art Gallery
6. Yamaki Art Gallery
7. Gallery Fukuzumi
8. MEM
9. Gallery Kaze
10. Gallery Takigawa
11. Art Salon Yamazaki
12. Gallery Fukuda

We will be having a break sometime in the middle.
途中で休憩するつもりです。

Wear ART and SUPPORT your local ARTISTS

2010-03-19T14:11:05Z

FLAG Official T-shirts by local artist Takuro SUGIYAMA
now available. ALL ONLY ¥3,500
Available in XS, S, M, L, XL (other sizes also available).
Contact info[at]f-l-a-g.net for more information.

Sugiyama FLAG (Italian Red):

Sugiyama FLAG (Black):

Sugiyama FLAG (Light Blue):

Stereogram (Light Purple) GLOWS IN THE DARK!

Stereogram (Light Salmon) GLOWS IN THE DARK!

Stereogram glow in the dark pattern!

Daichi Matsunaga from Gallery Raku (Kyoto University of Art and Design)

2010-01-15T06:01:02Z

My name is Daichi Matsunaga, and I'm a curator of the Kyoto University of Art & Design's gallery RAKU. Sumiya-san from Itohen, the guy who passed the baton to me, is my climbing mate--we went to Kamikochi & Karasawa together in October. I'd now like to introduce my favorite magazine, gallery & artist doing superb things.

1. IN/SECTS
IN/SECTS is one of the few (or the only?) cultural magazines in Kansai from Minami-Semba. The 1st issue came out on Oct 11th. It introduces music, movies and art with some local information that I always want to know. IN/SECTS is a reliable magazine and kind of like a new knowledgeable friend to me.
http://insec2.com/

2. Port Gallery T
Port Gallery T is a photography-specialized gallery that opened in Higobashi in October 2007, and is still unrelenting in its 3rd year. It is impressive that Amano-san, the owner of the gallery, cordially supports photographers including Osamu Kanemura, Shinzo Shimao, Tokuko Ushioda, Hiroshi Miyamoto and a variety of other young artists.
http://www.portgalleryt.com/

3. makomo
makomo is Osaka's most flappy illustrator. His canvas works are super cool; they go beyond illustration and get to the level of contemporary art. I also like his doll-like objects made of leather. He opened his own atelier in Nakatsu and is on a good streak. Don't take your eyes off his activities. His blog is also laid-back.
http://www.makomo.jp/

For the next issue, the baton goes to TAKEUCHI san from Re:S!

Natsuki Machida

2010-01-15T05:52:44Z

Last year in March there was a exhibition at YOD Gallery which really put its viewers on edge; brightly painted pictures of young innocent girls with flowers in place of their eyes, pouring out into the background and foregrounds. It was cuteness mixed with a good dose of creepiness. We caught up with the artist, Natsuki Machida, to find out more about these works, and to hear about her upcoming exhibition.

Machida says the reaction to her works depends a lot on who's looking. Cheerful people generally say that it's all 'cute', but sensitive people say that her works are quite dark. Where did the idea for these flowers come from? When she was much younger she used to often doodle pictures of cute girls with her sister, trying to make their eyes sparkle as much as possible. They began to take the idea of this 'sparkle' to a new level, making the doodles so outrageous they really began to look ugly. "People attach a lot of meaning into this idea, but for me personally, painting their eyes like this is just fun. I'm always wondering how far I can take it."

In a previous job, Machida used to work for a kimono company dyeing cloth from morning to evening. All the colors were decided based on traditions; green here, purple there. Everything was very constrained. Even though she wanted to paint pinks, there was nothing she could do. "As soon as I got home, pink! Pink! Pink!" she says, gesticulating wildly. And her bright artworks continue to reflect this feeling. "If I can't paint pink, I feel like I can't settle down." But don't think that she's just impulsive, Machida also applies theory she learnt from the Osaka University of Arts to her works. In every flower pattern and color, there's meaning. She feels that if she borrows from this knowledge base, it's easy to explain, and people will remember her artworks. "It's not just cute," says Machida, "there's theory and reasoning behind it all".
For her upcoming exhibition "MURMUR", one of the biggest shifts is from paper to canvas, a medium she hasn't visited since university. At university, she could never paint what she wanted. If she drew girls, she got in trouble with her teachers. "That's not art!" they said, "Don't illustrate". After graduating, she returned to a life without instructors looking over her shoulder, so she started painting girls again, but on paper. Going back to the canvas was tougher than expected; "Sometimes you have to paint over something three times to get the color you want."

So, how did she choose the name "MURMUR"? "Well, I looked it up in the dictionary and thought, I've never seen this word before, and I have no idea how to pronounce it. This is the one." For this exhibition, the women will be a little more camouflaged. Recently she's be listening a lot to her inner selves. "There's the smart you and the stupid you (who sometimes has a big voice)... I want to try to put these down on the canvas." Machida said she wants to use this as a form of energy to paint.
We are all looking forward to seeing her next exhibition, and you should make sure you also go and get yourself a good dose of the cute and the creepy.

MURMUR
November 14th (Sat) - December 5 (Sat) 2009
Opening reception: November 14th 17:00~
Venue: YOD Gallery
http://www.yodgallery.com

Natsuki Machida Biography
1980 Born in Osaka, Japan
2005   Graduated from Osaka University of Arts Graduate School

[Exhibitions and activities]
2003 "Art Stage 74", Osaka University of Arts
2004   "Art Jam 2004", The Museum of Kyoto
2004   "Link Exhibition", Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art
2004   "Imaginary Museum", Kyoto OPA
2005   "Art Jam 2005", The Museum of Kyoto
2006   Group exhibition, Imura Art Gallery, Kyoto
2007   "Natsuki Machida Solo Exhibition", Gallery Ami, Osaka
2008   "Natsuki Machida Solo Exhibition", YOD Gallery Osaka
             ART OSAKA 2008 (YOD Gallery)
2009   "Emotional Colors", Bunkamura Gallery, Tokyo
             ART OSAKA 2009 (YOD Gallery)

Kosuge 1-16

2009-12-17T06:55:29Z

KOSUGE 1-16 is an artist unit comprised of Takashi Tsuchiya & Chishino Kurumada. Based in Tokyo, they are well known for their unique artworks such as the huge table soccer game in the picture above. The name KOSUGE 1-16 is derived from the address where they started their activities. As it suggests, their activities are community based. "Kosuge is an old town where you can still find mochitsu motaretsu (give and take) relationships. Exchanges between residents are quite frequent --we sometimes find dinner in our mailbox when we get home! It made our life richer and more delightful. We wanted to express that through art" Tsuchiya says.

Their works--a huge table soccer game, a huge paper sumo game, etc.--are unlike "art" on the surface. So what triggered them to work on such thing? "We like what you call "art" in museums and galleries. However, I also feel it's mainly for art connoisseurs at the same time. In Japan, there is too much focus on technique and the appeal of art is barely grasped by audiences. So we decided to challenge the definition of art in Japan. We've set up a free spirit type of art in everyday spaces, and set off all kinds of opportunities, encounters & connections."

KOSUGE 1-16 will be participating in Suito Osaka 2009 as one of the main artists. The title of their work is KOSUGE re-port. "There are 3 projects in KOSUGE re-port. The 1st is AC Nakanoshima. We're going to form a table soccer club that teams can participate in (the stadium building itself will also be built through a workshop--the whole project is a community effort). There will be a competition called the Nakanoshima League held once every 2 weeks. Tsuchiya continues, "The 2nd project is the Skin project, which reuses old football (soccer) cleats ". A craft workshop will be held during Suito, where you can reuse parts from football shoes to make things like bags. "These 2 projects are related to football, but not about football. They use football as an art source in order to bring people who wouldn't usually have any connection with art. Tsuchiya says, "We want our work to be a "shared folder" of everybody's image. Football is a good platform for that."

"The Last project is Riparian Sports Lab, a workshop program to invent new games. After a few workshops, we plan to create a Riparian Sports Catalogue and we'll hold a sports festival." Tsuchiya emphasizes that, "The fun thing about art is that you can create new rules. With sports, you can enjoy rules that somebody else had created, but artists can create their own rules. We want everybody to enjoy that."

KOSUGE 1-16
homepage.mac.com/kosuge1_16
Takashi TSUCHIYA (right)
Chishino KURUMADA (left)

Kei Sumiya from iTohen

2009-12-17T05:08:37Z

Hi, everyone! I'm Kei Sumiya, a friend of Duncan's. I work for SKKY Design and iTohen, a gallery, bookstore & coffee shop. Osaka is an entertaining city that can provide you with a network that will grow gradually. Enjoy it with FLAG! Here are some places that I recommend:

1. Beyer
Beyer is a shop in Tamatsukuri, which is run by Mr. & Mrs. Umeda. You can find a lot of books there--art, photography, design, picture books and more--which they bought from both home and abroad. There is an exhibition space as well. I really like spending time here reading books and talking with the Umedas while enjoying their hand-dripped coffee and home-made castella. http://www.beyerbooks-pl.us/ Open: 12:00~20:00 (Closed Tue)

2. Sewing Gallery
Sewing Gallery is in a old wooden dressmaking school constructed in the 1940's and 50's. It's surrounded by lush vegetation--you won't believe that you are in Osaka! Sewing gallery is a wonderful place that reminds me of things that I forget. Though it's a bit far away from central Osaka, it's worth going. Why not have a slow day there! http://www.sewing-g.com/ Open: 12:00~18:00 (Closed Mon/Tue)

3. Galerie 6c
Galerie 6c is in Kurakuenguchi in Nishinomiya, Hyogo, and you can always find exhibitions & workshops with creators there. It's a comfortable, down-to-earth gallery. While you're there, you can also check out the town of Shukugawa nearby. http://www.galerie6c.net Open: 15:00~20:00 (Sat/Sun 11:00~18:00, Closed Mon)

For the next issue, the baton goes to Matsunaga San from Gallery RAKU!

Duncan Brotherton, Tsunagari D

2009-11-17T04:58:18Z

Salutations Kansai people! I'm Duncan Brotherton, one of the editors of FLAG. To kick off this first issue, we're going to start a FLAG Baton Relay! Each week, one knowledgeable local will introduce 3 cool things to FLAG readers, then pass the baton on to the next person.
For the past year I've been blogging about the creative scene in Kansai. If you want to go somewhere a little different for a change, here are 3 places I recommend you check out:

1. iTohen
Café, Bookstore, Gallery and a networking hub for artists and illustrators in Kansai. I've been introduced to more people at iTohen than you can count on both hands; the artists themselves often spend the days sitting by the gallery ready to answer questions. A relaxed atmosphere, a good bookstore and great vibes.

2. Calo Bookstore
The quiet charm of Calo makes you feel at ease just like a large study would. Heaped books on tables, tasteful art, the faint smell of coffee and plenty of natural light all help you to unwind and really enjoy your surroundings. The selection of books for sale is unique as well as it is impressive.

3. Pantaloon
In one of the most unlikely places in Osaka, Pantaloon offers something truly unique: the rustic Japanese neighborhood contrasts well with it's startling contemporary exhibitions. Pantaloon gives an 'underground Osaka' experience for anyone wanting to avoid well trodden places.

If you're interested in more cool places and faces, you can always check out my blog; tsunagarid.blogspot.com. Everything creative, everything Kansai!

For the next issue, I'm passing the Baton to a good friend of mine, Sumiya San from iTohen!

Takuro Sugiyama

2009-10-02T17:12:36Z

Though his style is very elaborate, Sugiyama says he doesn't have a pre-planned blueprint. "I don't have any plan when I start drawing. An interesting shape created from initial sketches pulls ideas from its surroundings by itself." And, would you believe, he doesn't use a computer. "I don't have any reasons not to, it's just that I have chosen hand drawing and painting as my method. I draw the same thing repeatedly without using a photocopier in order to erase any peculiarities in the drawing; this condenses it to its purest form. This act of repetition--doing things over and over again--makes me see my work objectively. Someone pointed this out as an act of faith."

And it seems he is true to this faith in his Art. "I want to pursue this style. I am not interested in following what other artists do, and I am not interested in recreating landscapes, as nature itself is already beautiful. If I'm going to try something new, then it will be figures. I want to try origami figures one day."

Sugiyama's work will be featured in the YOD gallery room at ART OSAKA. Experience the marvelous use of space in his works, and be prepared to become a fan. (T.G.)

Takuro Sugiyama Biography
2004 Solo exhibition, Osoblanco, Osaka
          Japan-China Art Exchange, Shanghai University, China
2006 Solo exhibition, Osoblanco, Osaka
2007 Solo exhibition, Gallery58, Tokyo
          Solo exhibtion, space gallery roundish, Osaka
          Japan-Korea Exchange, Artist in residence, South Korea
2008 Art Osaka 2008 (YOD Gallery), Osaka
          Solo exhibition, YOD Gallery, Osaka
2009 Art Tokyo (YOD Gallery)
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