Hideki Kuwajima
Kuwajima takes found, recycled and cheaply manufactured children toys and water guns to construct these highly animated sculptures, part of her 'euphoria series' (euphoria 100320 (plastic), euphoria 100701 (plastic) both done in 2010). the appeal of these crafts are in their symmetrical construction, centering the viewer instead of leaving us overwhelmed or scattered, which must be difficult for this medium (bright colors/many smaller parts composing objects composing larger structures). but the standardization of its plastic parts does help maintain this control and (surprising) coherence. i like how her titles, describing each euphoria as an identification number, also references the mechanical, which feels oxymoronic in its nature (mechanizing a feeling). here's another 'euphoria', "euphoria 001" (2008), which resembles a festival, unabashedly celebratory. apparently Hermès has commissioned her for some window displays (cool!), but i can't find any pictures online (anyone know where to find this?)
she's not afraid to work small either. in 2009 she did these key-chain sized sculptures which are only several centimeters tall and wide. Kuru Kuru Scope 001 ed.3 and Kuru Kuru Scope 002 ed.3/10 are perfect pieces to design a home around.
a friend commented that japanese artists are drawn more to the 'cute' in the way american artists may be drawn to the 'sexy', as schoolgirls and childhood imagery are often fetishized in japanese culture, which i think is a great point.
*for mature audiences only*
Paprika (film still, dir. Satoshi Kon) -"euphoria 001" (2008)
[via Roentgenwerke]
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