All posts by leon

Mind Field by Hiro Ikematsu

August 23, 2015 2015年8月23日

Born in Tokyo and later raised in Hong Kong, Japanese artist Hiro Ikematsu was almost always drawn to the cinema and the world of science-fiction. Since middle school and throughout high school, he was involved with film & video production. Events later unfolded and landed him in film school in Tokyo, where he made a few short films. At the time he was doing a lot of photography, shooting for club promoters in Tokyo, and shooting fashion and artist profiles.


東京に生まれ、その後香港で育った日本人の芸術家、Ikematsu Hiro Hiro)氏は、ほぼ常に映画館とSFの世界に惹きつけられていました。中学校の頃から、高等学校を通して彼は映画とビデオの制作に関わりました。その後、東京の映画学校に入学することになり、その学校で短編映画を数本制作しました。その頃、彼は写真を多く撮影し、東京のクラブのプロモーター、ファッションや芸術家のプロフィールの写真を撮影しました。

Hiro started his photography project “Mind Field” while he was living in Tokyo. He describes it as a series of “nice, boring scenic photos with an added UFO element to it.” The project was shot over the course of a few years. “I have phases in my life where I would really get into something, then fall out of it for a while – and this was when I was obsessed with UFOs. I liked tricking people into thinking that it was a real UFO and take the piss out of their reactions.”


Hiro氏は、東京に住んでいた時に「Mind Field」という写真のプロジェクトを開始します。このプロジェクトについて、Hiro氏は「UFO の要素を加えた素敵で退屈である風景写真」のシリーズと述べています。このプロジェクトの撮影は数年に渡り行われました。「私の人生には、何かに夢中になった後に、暫くその熱が冷める時期がありました。それが、UFOに取りつかれた時でした。私は、人々を騙して本物のUFOであったと思わせ、相手の反応を見てからかうことが好きでした」。

The project started when Hiro was doing some video installations for an event. He projected a video clip that could be looped over and over, while a friend was also performing live techno music. The projections needed to fit his set so Hiro shot at an industrial-looking location and added a UFO in post-production. At the same time, Hiro took some stills on location and that’s how this photo series started.


そのプロジェクトは、Hiro氏があるイベントのためのビデオ・インスタレーションに取り組んでいる時に始まりました。Hiro氏は、友達がテクノ音楽のライブパフォーマンスをしている最中に何度も何度も繰り返すことがあるビデオクリップを映しました。その映像は、インダストリアルなロケーションで撮影し、制作後にUFOを加えるために、彼のセットに適合する必要がありました。また、彼はロケ中にスチール写真も撮り、これが写真のシリーズの始まりだったのです。

He put the project down for a while and picked it back up intermittently when he thought it was interesting again. As Hiro doesn’t plan shoots (“they are usually done spur of the moment”), he will often take a ton of photos and then go through them again months later. From these photos came the series “Mind Field”. Hiro says, “I’ll probably do this for a long time. It will be like a life-long project. Maybe I’ll make a book at some point.”


彼は暫くの間、プロジェクトを据え置き、再び興味を取り戻した時に断続的に制作に戻りました。Hiro氏は撮影の計画を立てないため、大量の写真を撮り、数ヵ月後にそれに再び目を通すことが多いのです。そうした写真から、「Mind Field」のシリーズが出て来たのです。Hiro 氏は、「これには、長い時間がかかるだろう。生涯かかるプロジェクトのようなものになる。ある時点で本を編纂するかもしれない」と言いました。

In addition to photography and film work, Hiro also DJs under the moniker Stanley (previously as Microlab). He usually plays techno, ambient/kosmiche, and also occasionally industrial, house, disco, and new beat. “This is simply for the sake of being able to hear the music I like on big speakers.”


Hiro氏は写真と映画の他に、Stanley(以前はMicrolab)という芸名でDJの活動もしています。DJの演奏はほとんどがテクノ、環境音楽/宇宙音楽で、時折インダストリアル、ハウス、ディスコやニュー・ビートも演奏します。「(DJの演奏は)ただ好きな音楽を大きなスピーカーで聴くために行っている」そうです。

He promotes techno events in Shanghai under SPACE DEBRIS COMMITTEE and SPACE WAVES to bring a little bit of what he loves about the music scene in Japan to China. In the end, it’s all inherently tied into his personal fascination with UFOs and outer space.


Hiro氏は、上海に在住しています。上海では、日本と中国のシーンで気に入っているものを少し持ち込むために、SPACE DEBRIS COMMITTEE (スペースデブリ・コミティー)とSPACE WAVES (スペースウェーブ)という呼称でテクノ音楽のイベントのプロモーションも行っています。結局このイベントは、本質的にHiro 氏のUFOと宇宙スペースに惹かれる気持ちとつながっているのです。

What initially drew Hiro to Shanghai, where he is now based, was the view. He admits, “I have a soft spot for anything pertaining to Bladerunner and I definitely saw the similarities with that and the Shanghai skyline.” The very striking contrast between the old colonial-style buildings on the Bund with the epic, sleek, futuristic skyscrapers across the river is like something “straight out of science fiction”. For him, Shanghai right now is one of the most exciting places in the world to be.


Hiro 氏は、最初に上海に魅了されたものは眺めであったと認めており、「私には、ブレードランナーに関するあらゆるものに弱く、上海のスカイラインにブレードランナーと類似している点を見たのは確かです」と言いました。外灘(バンド)の古い植民地様式の建物と川をまたぐ巨大で未来的な摩天楼との劇的なコントラストは、「SF小説からそのまま出てきた」ようです。彼にとり、現在の上海は世界で最もワクワクする場所の一つであるのかも知れません。

Instagram: @hiroikematsu

 

Contributor: Leon Yan


Instagram: @hiroikematsu

 

投稿者:Leon Yan

The Illustrations of Chocomoo

August 22, 2015 2015年8月22日

Yuka Chocomoo is a street fashion illustrator and artist from Japan. Influenced mostly by rock music, hip-hop, and traditional Japanese calligraphy, her work is always done in a signature black and white line-art style. Chocomoo was one of the 12 artists brought together by Gap REMIX Project to reimagine the classic Gap logo in an exclusive collection of graphic tees.


Chocomoo は、日本のストリートファッションイラストレーター兼アーティストです。ロック音楽、ヒップホップ、さらには日本の伝統的な書道の影響を受けた作品は、常に特徴的な白黒の線画のスタイルで作成されています。Chocomoo は、グラフィックTシャツ限定コレクションのクラシックなGapのロゴを想像し直す「Gap REMIX Project」に集められた11 人のアーティストの1人でした。

 

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Growing up listening to hip-hop, Yuka soon became fascinated with New York City. “I would daydream about quitting my job and running off to New York to discover more about the hip-hop music I loved so much.” When she finally made the move to New York City, it had a huge impact on her and brought about new opportunities to grow her career in art.


ヒップホップを聴いて育ったChocomoo は、すぐにニューヨークの街に魅了されるようになりました。「仕事を辞めて、大好きなヒップホップ音楽についてもっと発見するためにニューヨークへ逃避する空想にふけっていたものでした」。彼女が遂にニューヨーク市へと移った時、彼女は非常に大きな影響を受け、アートのキャリアを育む新しい機会を得たのです。

Black and white features prominently in Chocomoo’s illustrations. “I think this comes from my studies of traditional Japanese calligraphy, which has had a big influence on me.” Another possible reason could be her “love of retro-style flyers and posters from the time before color printing.”


白と黒は、Chocomoo のイラストの顕著な特徴です。「それは、私に大きな影響を与えた伝統的な書道を学習したことから来るものだと思います」。もう1つの理由として「カラー印刷以前のレトロなチラシやポスターが好きなこと」が考えられます。

Beyond her “original punk” style drawings, she has incorporated other feminine and Harajuku-inspired visual elements into her artwork. While her personality is “hardcore” and more punk, she also loves bringing smiles to those who view her illustration work. Simply put, Yuka describes her style as being about “music, fashion, and life.”


「オリジナルパンク」スタイルの描画を超えて、Chocomoo は他の女性らしい要素や原宿的な要素を作品に取り入れています。彼女の性格は「筋が入って」おり、よりパンク的である一方で、作品を見る人達を笑顔にすることも大好きなことなのです。簡単に言うと、Chocomoo は自身のスタイルを「音楽、ファッションと生活」に関するものであるとしています。

At the moment, Chocomoo is continuing her work with brands and other artists, as she hopes to take her art to more places and spread her hip-hop, punk rock, black and white style wherever she goes.


現在Chocomoo は、彼女のアートをより多くの場所に持ち出して、行く先々でヒップホップ、パンクロック、そして白黒のスタイルを広めたいため、ブランドと他のアーティストとの仕事を継続しています。

Instagram: @yukachocomoo
Website: chocomoo.blogspot.com

 

Contributors: Leon Yan, Adam J. Schokora
Photographer: Adam J. Schokora


Instagram@yukachocomoo
ウェブサイトchocomoo.blogspot.com

 

投稿者:Leon Yan, Adam J. Schokora
カメラマン:Adam J. Schokora

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UNDEF/NE

August 21, 2015 2015年8月21日

UNDEF/NE is a newly opened cultural space in Shanghai’s M50 Art Zone. The actual physical space is multi-function, serving as a stylish setting for a wide range of cultural events, live performances, creative workshops, and exhibitions.


UNDEF/NE是位于上海著名的创意园区M50里的一个创意空间。在这里,你可以接触到很多文化类活动、演出、创意工作坊和展览等等。

Previously the venue was a large room in a factory, that was later abandoned. The original windows, concrete columns and iron doors from the factory are all still intact, but have been redone with a monochromatic theme to compliment the industrial feel of the space.


最早,UNDEF/NE所在的这块空间是一个很大的废弃工厂。工厂原本的窗户、水泥柱和铁门都被保留了下来,为了配合空间的整体工业感,重新涂上黑白漆。

You can enjoy a cup of fresh coffee, have a glass of draft beer from tap, or sit and have a conversation with your friends in UNDEF/NE’s open space.


你可以来一杯香气四溢的咖啡,或者点一杯啤酒,或者只是和朋友坐着聊聊天,这一切都令UNDEF/NE变成一个很便于社交的空间。

As a community space for art and design, UNDEF/NE regularly hosts events for creative people to come together. Their “Made in Shanghai” event earlier this year kicked off a monthly series of social gatherings that introduced attendees to emerging designers and artists in a casual setting.


作为一个以艺术和设计主题为主的空间,UNDEF/NE经常会举办一些创意活动。今年年初开启了“上海制造”(Made in Shanghai)的系列活动,用很轻松的方式,每个月定期介绍一位新锐艺术家或设计师。

“Brew & Blend”, another popular recent event this year, drew in thousands of visitors to M50 over the course of two days, featuring dozens of creative brands and artists. 


另一个品牌项目“BREW & BLEND” 是一个提倡创意型生活方式 & 融合性咖啡文化的公众社群活动。2015年的“BREW & BLEND”成为了上海M50创意园区创立至今最为大型与最具影响力的公众活动,有40个创意品牌、50位当代艺术家与创意者以及20家生活方式媒体参加,两天参观人数甚至达到了1万人次。

From the unique offerings in its physical space (i.e. the men’s “Barber Corner”, the open-space coffee bar, and exhibition space) to their efforts to build a local community of creatives, UNDEF/NE will continue to expand and innovate. There will be many more exciting events, workshops, and chances to come together on the horizon.


在UNDEF/NE的实体店里,除了咖啡吧、展览区域,还有一个很有特色的服务,那就是采用预约制的“男士理发角”。UNDEF/NE不遗余力地增强创意人群间的连接和互动,是创意社区中不可忽视的一股力量。

Address:
Room 105, Bldg 6
50 Moganshan Road (near West Suzhou Road)
Putuo District, Shanghai
People’s Republic of China

Phone: 6226 6020
Hours: 10am~6pm daily

Websiteundefine.com.cn


地址:
中国 上海市普陀区
莫干山路50号6号楼105室(近西苏州路)

电话
:6226 6020
营业时间:每日早上10点至晚上6点

网站undefine.com.cn

Contributor & Photographer: Leon Yan


拱稿人与摄影师:Leon Yan

Basement 6 Collective

August 20, 2015 2015年8月20日

The Basement 6 Collective is a local group of artists in Shanghai who have come together to create and host various small exhibitions and community events. They support the collective themselves, which has given them the freedom to be more prolific and experimental.


地下室6集体(以下简称B6C)是由一群策划和组织各种各样展览、活动的人组成的。这群人互相支持,这也给了他们很大的自由度,在过去的日子成功举办了很多颇具实验性的活动。

Katy Roseland, one of the founders of Basement 6 Collective, says that it was very important for them that the space was open and that everyone could participate “whether for their first exhibition, an experiment, or a late-night dancing session.”


创始人之一的Katy Roseland说:“有这么一个空间提供给大家,无论是他们的第一个展览、第一次实验还是一个地下舞会,只要参与进来,对我们来说都很重要。”

The space regularly hosts a wide range of events. Some are more standard, like film screenings, art exhibitions and performances, while other events are more unique. Once there was an international Skype water balloon fight, and another time an artist borrowed objects from the space to make a cityscape installation on the ceiling. On a different occasion, an artist installed sod that covered the floor of the basement. They also once held a birthday party involving 10,000 colored pom-poms, which they put into a coffin for people to play in.


B6C举办的活动种类繁多。有些活动很常规,像影片放映、展览和演出这种,而有一些则非常特别,像国际Skype水球大战这种。还有一次,他们请了一个艺术家用工作室的一些物品把屋顶装扮成一个城市景观,另一个艺术家则做了一个草皮装置。还有一个令人难忘的活动是在一个生日聚会,大家把大约1万个彩色毛球扔到一口棺材里来玩。

For Anneliese Charek, the other co-founder of Basement 6 Collective, one of her favorite events was one of the first they ever organized. It was a two-part event, in which the artists turned one of the basement rooms into a large-scale camera, and participants held strips of film around their necks and a sudden flash created the photos. Later on, the images were exhibited in the space.


B6C的另一个创始人Anneliese Charek说,她说自己最喜欢的一个活动是在B6C举办过的第一个演出。这个演出分为两部分,第一部分的内容是艺术家把B6C里的一个房间变成一台相机,参与者们都在脖子上围着一条胶片然后被突然抓拍,这些被抓拍的照片在第二部分放在B6C的空间里变成一个展览呈现出来。

Late last year when Basement 6 lost their old space, Katy and Anneliese soon learned that it was actually better for them to function as a community that didn’t need a physical base. “If Basement 6 could exist as a floating hub, in your pocket, in the holes of your socks, then it can’t be shut down,” says Katy.


去年,B6C因为种种原因失去了原来的空间,那之后Katy和Anneliese意识到,只有社区功能更加强大后B6C才不会过多依赖于实体空间。“如果B6C变成一个浮动的平台,甚至可以随身携带,那它就永远不可能关掉。” Katy如是说。

Now the Basement 6 Collective is based in an underground community space in Shanghai’s Changning district. Their neighbors in the basement include Uptown Records, the Idlebeats Print Club, and the studios of some independent artists.


现在B6C搬到了长宁区的一个地下室。他们的邻居也是一些创意团体,像Uptown唱片店、Idlebeats丝网印刷店以及一些独立艺术家。

Anneliese says that it all started as an experiment. “We told ourselves in the very beginning we could try it in the short term, so we were less afraid to try. It started to change when we began inviting more guest artists, and we would let them have the whole space for a short period of time to do whatever they wanted. Being a place for artists to experiment has made us what we are.”


Anneliese说一开始,B6C只是一个实验性的项目,“我们跟自己说只做一小段时期,这样即使失败了也没什么害怕的。后来我们开始邀请越来越多的艺术家来我们的空间,利用空间做他们想做的任何项目,这个本来只想做短期的实验性项目才开始发生了变化,我觉得变成一个为艺术家服务的空间是促成我们成功的主要原因。”

Address
115 Pingwu Road (near Xingfu Road)
Changning District, Shanghai
People’s Republic of China

Websitebasement6collective.com


地址
中国 上海市长宁区
平武路115号(近幸福路)

网站basement6collective.com

Contributor & Photographer: Leon Yan


拱稿人与摄影师:Leon Yan

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Profile of Zhu Kuan

August 18, 2015 2015年8月18日

Zhu Kuan is a native Shanghainese urban photographer. By day Kuan is a financial analyst, but by night and in his spare time, he is an urban explorer of Shanghai’s rooftops and back streets, documenting and shooting the city he was born and raised in.


祝宽是一位上海的城市摄影师。他的本职工作是一位金融分析师,下班后或是平常时间他会去上海的一些楼顶或不起眼的街道拍摄,记录这个他长大的城市。

Photography for him is “a method for capturing a scene, of recording life.” He describes his style of photography as darker and heavier, a visual style which perfectly suits the dramatic urban cityscapes he likes to capture.


摄影对祝宽来说就是”捕捉画面、记录生活“。用他的话来形容自己的摄影风格的话就是偏重偏暗色调的城市摄影。

For the heavier texture and look that Kuan likes in his photography, he usually uses Snapseed and VSCO Cam for photo editing. “With Snapseed, I can lift the colors in the picture, and then switch to VSCO Cam to use their filters, depending on the lighting of the photo,” he says.


祝宽个人喜欢厚重暗黑的照片质感,所以他经常使用Snapseed和VSCO两个手机软件来修图。最常使用的是Snapseed的氛围按钮提升画面整体色彩,然后保存并切换至VSCO,根据不同的光和环境使用不同的滤镜调整。

Although photography is just a side passion for him, Kuan hopes it can one day become his full-time profession as he enjoys fully immersing himself in it. As for any future trends in photography, he thinks that urban exploration is an emerging style that has a lot of potential.


虽然摄影只是祝宽的爱好,但他希望有一天能成为职业事业摄影师。摄影可以让他沉静下来。说起摄影的未来趋势,祝宽觉得城市探索可能会成为一种新形式。

Some of Kuan’s favorite photographers include 13thWitness, Trashhand, and Cocu Chen Liu. He also often finds inspiration in the small things he sees in everyday life when exploring the city.


祝宽喜欢的摄影师有13thwitness、Trashhand和Cocu Chen Liu。他也常常在探索城市的过程中或者在日常生活中汲取创作灵感。

His advice for photographers who are just starting out is to “take your emotions and ideas, and put them into your photos.” They are what will make your images unique. While composition for him is the basic foundation of a photograph, one shouldn’t get overly caught up on it.


对于那些摄影初学者,祝宽有一些小建议可以和他们分享“构图是照片的基础,其次是善于发现的眼睛,但切记不必过度在意构图环节,把自己的心情和想法代入照片,会让照片变的不一样。”

Kuan describes his photography as a combination of urban and trendy, but also a combination of urban and classic. “This will always be the main driving philosophy behind my work.”


祝宽形容自己的摄影是潮流与城市结合的风格,而这种经典与城市的结合也会是他不变的拍摄理念。

Instagram: @3dk129

 

Contributor: Leon Yan


Instagram: @3dk129

 

拱稿人:Leon Yan