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The artwork of Akira the Hustler was adopted on a protest sign at a demonstration in Tokyo, Japan (2017)
"Be there."
While artists Akira the Hustler and Nobuaki Takekawa work independently, they often get together on the streets and at exhibition spaces to express themselves, in search for a better society whereby people are treated equally and with respect.
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Pin badges that the artists designed and made for the zine "Tools of hope 2"
Their artworks depict figurative motifs which may appear to be "pop" and "cute" at first glance, easing recognition amongst the crowds in protests. However, their playful images are not only for visual pleasure. They also function as metaphors to convey messages related to democracy and human rights. The activities of both artists often expand beyond conventional art spaces to reach wider audiences, crossing social and geographical boundaries.
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AKIRA THE HUSTLER
Born in Tokyo in 1969, Akira the Hustler is based in the same city. In 2004, he launched the "Living Together Project" to bring awareness to the HIV affected community and other minority groups, which was active until 2011. His recent exhibitions include "STREET JUSTICE: Art, Sound and Power", Galaxy - Gingakei, Tokyo (2018), "Reborn Art Festival 2017", Ishinomaki (2017), "Love's Body-art in the age of AIDS", Tokyo metropolitan museum of Photography, Tokyo (2010). Public collections include Collection Lambert, France and The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art, Japan.
For more information on the artist, click here.
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NOBUAKI TAKEKAWA
Born in Tokyo in 1977, Nobuaki Takekawa is currently based in Saitama, Japan. He attained a BA in Fine Arts at the Tokyo University of the Arts in 2002. In recent years, he has participated in various exhibitions in Japan and abroad including "Singapore Biennale 2016", Singapore Art Musuem, Singapore and “Aichi Triennale 2016”, The Aichi Arts Center, Nagoya, Japan.
Takekawa's upcoming solo exhibition at Ota Fine Arts Tokyo will open in mid August 2020.For more information on the artist, click here.
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Above:
1. Behind-the-scenes during the installation of the exhibition "STREET JUSTICE: Art, Sound and Power", Tokyo, Japan (2018).
2. Artworks of Akira the Hustler and Nobuaki Takekawa adopted on protest signs that were used in demonstrations in Tokyo, 2017.
3. Protesters carrying signs that feature the artworks of Akira the Hustler and Nobuaki Takekawa during a demonstration in Tokyo, 2017.
Akira & Takekawa
Past viewing_room
