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CHUMS x SHINJIRO TANAKA
SHINJIRO TANAKA is an artist who uses primitive motifs such as dots and lines to express themes like his views on life and death, the interconnectedness of life, and the potential of human beings. Drawing from his experience as a dancer, his works exhibit dynamism through rhythmic structures and vibrant colors. His collaboration with CHUMS, a U.S.-based outdoor brand founded in 1983, was born under the concept of "Re: Play," which emphasizes the importance of the analog body and the joy of playfully connecting with others.
The concept of "Re: Play" combines "Re:," meaning "reply" as a recognition of others, and "Play" to encourage the rediscovery of playfulness. In a world becoming increasingly digital, especially with the rise of AI and the web, and the distancing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, human connections have become weaker. "Re: Play" invites people to reassess the value of the analog body, rediscover the beauty of everyday life, and enjoy playful connections with others.
CHUMS was originally created by a river guide in Utah who invented the brand's first product, a glasses holder, to keep his sunglasses secure. Today, CHUMS continues to bring fun and playfulness into daily life through its outdoor accessories.
The concept of "Re: Play" combines "Re:," meaning "reply" as a recognition of others, and "Play" to encourage the rediscovery of playfulness. In a world becoming increasingly digital, especially with the rise of AI and the web, and the distancing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, human connections have become weaker. "Re: Play" invites people to reassess the value of the analog body, rediscover the beauty of everyday life, and enjoy playful connections with others.
CHUMS was originally created by a river guide in Utah who invented the brand's first product, a glasses holder, to keep his sunglasses secure. Today, CHUMS continues to bring fun and playfulness into daily life through its outdoor accessories.
Macool 2024 AW
Design for Macool 2024 A/W
Video artwork featuring dancer Honomi Kuwana
The unprecedented chaos caused by the pandemic has finally subsided, and just when a fleeting calm seemed to have arrived, political corruption and social conflicts are erupting everywhere in the world. Societies are being divided, and people continue senseless conflicts.
It's difficult to bear witness to scenes on the news every day that seem like lies. Days are spent turning off the television screen, trying to act as if nothing has happened.
However, in reality, there are people who have lost their homes, been separated from their families and friends, and struggle even to find daily sustenance.
No matter how much one wishes for peace, the situation is not improving; in fact, it seems to be worsening.
Even in the midst of striving to make those around you happy, there is a persistent feeling of discomfort deep in the throat.
Feeling unable to do anything in the face of such a situation, even expressing oneself irresponsibly won't change the world. One feels powerless.
Still, unwilling to give up, the desire to leave even a small trace of energy through expression in the hope of making some positive change in this situation led to the creation of this work.
Hoping that the game played by those in power with lives will come to an end as soon as possible and that everyone can live in a world where they feel secure, can be themselves, and spend time with their loved ones is a heartfelt wish.
Music / Matryoshka "Sacred Play Secret Place"
Dancer / Honomi Kuwana @honomiddd
Place / Shibuya HOME @shibuya_home
Special thanks to Kenji Miyauchi @cumulo.kenji
Produced by Shinjiro Tanaka @tnk02
It's difficult to bear witness to scenes on the news every day that seem like lies. Days are spent turning off the television screen, trying to act as if nothing has happened.
However, in reality, there are people who have lost their homes, been separated from their families and friends, and struggle even to find daily sustenance.
No matter how much one wishes for peace, the situation is not improving; in fact, it seems to be worsening.
Even in the midst of striving to make those around you happy, there is a persistent feeling of discomfort deep in the throat.
Feeling unable to do anything in the face of such a situation, even expressing oneself irresponsibly won't change the world. One feels powerless.
Still, unwilling to give up, the desire to leave even a small trace of energy through expression in the hope of making some positive change in this situation led to the creation of this work.
Hoping that the game played by those in power with lives will come to an end as soon as possible and that everyone can live in a world where they feel secure, can be themselves, and spend time with their loved ones is a heartfelt wish.
Music / Matryoshka "Sacred Play Secret Place"
Dancer / Honomi Kuwana @honomiddd
Place / Shibuya HOME @shibuya_home
Special thanks to Kenji Miyauchi @cumulo.kenji
Produced by Shinjiro Tanaka @tnk02
「oto to e to... ～ART×MUSIC～」LIVE Opening Video
Collaborative video work featuring animation by artist Shinjiro Tanaka, dance by Zabu and his crew, and music/film editing by Dag Force.
Macool 2023 SS
Daisuke Inomoto @dainomot × Shinjiro Tanaka @tnk02 × MACOOL @macool.japan A collaborative work by Daisuke Inomoto, an artist who draws letters as motifs, and Shinjiro Tanaka, an artist who expresses mainly with lines. Under the theme of "reunion," Daisuke draws words in various languages, sincerely rejoicing in their reunion. Shinjiro's countless repetitive lines signify the connection between people and their feelings that transcends time.
Kodama Project
A collaboration between traditional kokeshi and contemporary art. Impressed by the beauty of Takahashi Hiroto's woodturning, Tanaka Shinjiro drew delicate black and white line art with a single pen, realizing a fusion of tradition and innovation.
The surface of the kokeshi is smooth, and the bleeding of the ink varies depending on the position of the grain, making it difficult to draw fine lines. However, Tanaka experimented repeatedly to bring out the unique texture of the kokeshi, and finally completed a work that was satisfactory.
This work can be said to have created new value by demonstrating the beauty of Japanese traditional crafts and the possibilities of contemporary art.
The surface of the kokeshi is smooth, and the bleeding of the ink varies depending on the position of the grain, making it difficult to draw fine lines. However, Tanaka experimented repeatedly to bring out the unique texture of the kokeshi, and finally completed a work that was satisfactory.
This work can be said to have created new value by demonstrating the beauty of Japanese traditional crafts and the possibilities of contemporary art.
Speakeasy
"SPEAKEASY" is a video work created by Shinjiro Tanaka and Arisawa Nakane. It won the award at the 2020 Asia Digital Art Grand Prix Exhibition in Fukuoka.
SXSW2020 Map Project – Shinjiro Tanaka x Stroly
Shinjiro Tanaka, a Tokyo-based artist, collaborated with Stroly to create a captivating map for SXSW 2020, which was unfortunately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The map features a unique blend of art and cartography, showcasing the vibrant culture of Austin, Texas, where SXSW takes place annually.
The collaboration between Stroly and Shinjiro Tanaka resulted in a visually stunning map that captures the essence of Austin and SXSW. The map is filled with intricate details, such as pizza, ice cream, guitars, and people's faces, reflecting the lively atmosphere of the event and the city.
Stroly has been exploring the possibilities of art maps and has held workshops to investigate how art and design can change the way people perceive maps and how maps can influence the way people perceive art and design. This collaboration with Shinjiro Tanaka is a perfect example of how art and cartography can come together to create a captivating and engaging experience.
The collaboration between Stroly and Shinjiro Tanaka resulted in a visually stunning map that captures the essence of Austin and SXSW. The map is filled with intricate details, such as pizza, ice cream, guitars, and people's faces, reflecting the lively atmosphere of the event and the city.
Stroly has been exploring the possibilities of art maps and has held workshops to investigate how art and design can change the way people perceive maps and how maps can influence the way people perceive art and design. This collaboration with Shinjiro Tanaka is a perfect example of how art and cartography can come together to create a captivating and engaging experience.
Re-Bear Project
I breathed new life into Hokkaido's traditional craft, woodcarved bears, through the "Re-Bear" upcycling project by Yes Inc. These beautiful works of art, crafted with care by skilled artisans, seemed undervalued. Aligned with Yes Inc.'s vision, I joined the collaboration. My work reflects the warmth of wooden bears and the beauty of Hokkaido's nature. I aspire to revive wooden bears as a presence that resonates with people's hearts through the power of art.
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