Valentines day in London, the Silas Flagship store in Islington. Japanese artist Kensei Yabuno is presenting an exhibition of his independent art & fashion and his new collaboration of accessories.
Yabuno was born in Hokkaido, Japan and studied Fine Art at Camberwell College of Art after which he returned to Japan. His work has been exhibited internationally and his contributions to other mediums, such as fashion with previous collaborators Comme de Garsons, have been celebrated in the media.
When speaking with Yabuno he gives a simple answer to the inspiration behind the collection, “just pen to paper” and it seems that this frank explanation is exactly what it is. His ideas are depicted directly onto paper, without complication, whilst in some other specific cases offered to us through sculpture and the brand new assortment of small accessories.
His illustrations are controlled and uniform even though they are surreal in so many ways. Some are clearly inspired by anatomy with body parts in colour but the majority take a while to understand. Not that you have to understand them. Seeing the pieces together you can see they are creatures with eyes and teeth – one sculpture he calls a sheep.
The prints and sketches of creatures in black and white also incorporate their frames and mounts to give impact to the pieces rather than just displaying them. The collaboration is interesting. A repetition of this trademark black and white (creature) print with what can be described as small green greyhounds printed all over. I’m told it’s not even available in Japan and this pull of limited edition instantly makes me want to buy something, anything.
Prices range from £25 for the card case and oyster cardholder to folder cases for £45 and are all available now. For more infoo on Japanese Artist, Kensei Yabuno and his independent art & fashion go to www.kenseiyabuno.com
words Florence Storey
