Akira & Takekawa

8 JUL - 29 JUL 2020
  • 'Be there.' While artists Akira the Hustler and Nobuaki Takekawa work independently, they often get together on the streets and...

    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. 

  • Their artworks depict figurative motifs which may appear to be 'pop' and 'cute' at first glance, easing recognition amongst the...

    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.

  • 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.

    • Akira The Hustler Tools of Hope, 2016 Mixed media Dimension variable
      Akira The Hustler
      Tools of Hope, 2016
      Mixed media
      Dimension variable
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    • Akira The Hustler Tools of Hope: Baby Here I Am, 2018 Acrylic on canvas 215 x 148 cm
      Akira The Hustler
      Tools of Hope: Baby Here I Am, 2018
      Acrylic on canvas
      215 x 148 cm
      USD 4,500.-
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    • Akira The Hustler Tools of Hope: Grab Your Hope, 2018 Acrylic on canvas 220 x 161 cm
      Akira The Hustler
      Tools of Hope: Grab Your Hope, 2018
      Acrylic on canvas
      220 x 161 cm
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    • Akira The Hustler Tools of Hope: Silence ≠ Life, 2018 Acrylic on canvas 215 x 148 cm
      Akira The Hustler
      Tools of Hope: Silence ≠ Life, 2018
      Acrylic on canvas
      215 x 148 cm
      USD 4,500.-
      Enquire
    • Akira the Hustler Islands (And People) in an Ocean Current, 2020 Monotype print, oil pastel, oil on paper 72.5 x 84.2 cm
      Akira the Hustler
      Islands (And People) in an Ocean Current, 2020
      Monotype print, oil pastel, oil on paper
      72.5 x 84.2 cm
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    • Akira the Hustler Individualists, 2020 Wood, stone modeling clay, acrylic gouache Dimension variable
      Akira the Hustler
      Individualists, 2020
      Wood, stone modeling clay, acrylic gouache
      Dimension variable

      USD 15,000.-
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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.

    • Nobuaki Takekawa PAW YOUR RIGHT, 2018 Woodblock print on paper 130 x 97 cm Edition of 5
      Nobuaki Takekawa
      PAW YOUR RIGHT, 2018
      Woodblock print on paper
      130 x 97 cm
      Edition of 5
      Enquire
    • Nobuaki Takekawa CHEW YOUR RIGHT, 2018 Woodblock print on paper 130 x 97 cm Edition of 5
      Nobuaki Takekawa
      CHEW YOUR RIGHT, 2018
      Woodblock print on paper
      130 x 97 cm
      Edition of 5
      Enquire
    • Nobuaki Takekawa Demonstrations are the same as terrorism, 2016 Woodblock print on paper 130 x 97 cm (image size), 130 x 98 cm (paper size)
      Nobuaki Takekawa
      Demonstrations are the same as terrorism, 2016
      Woodblock print on paper
      130 x 97 cm (image size), 130 x 98 cm (paper size)
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    • Nobuaki Takekawa Protesters on the street, 2016 Woodblock print on paper 130 x 97 cm (image size), 130 x 98 cm (paper size) Edition of 3 plus 1 artist's proof
      Nobuaki Takekawa
      Protesters on the street, 2016
      Woodblock print on paper
      130 x 97 cm (image size), 130 x 98 cm (paper size)
      Edition of 3 plus 1 artist's proof
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    • Nobuaki Takekawa I do not listen to commands, 2017 Paper, cardboard, acrylic, wood 59 x 32 x 12 cm
      Nobuaki Takekawa
      I do not listen to commands, 2017
      Paper, cardboard, acrylic, wood
      59 x 32 x 12 cm
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    • Nobuaki Takekawa I do not perform tricks, 2017 Paper, cardboard, acrylic, wood 59 x 32 x 12 cm
      Nobuaki Takekawa
      I do not perform tricks, 2017
      Paper, cardboard, acrylic, wood
      59 x 32 x 12 cm
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    • Nobuaki Takekawa Mosquitoes’ Resistance Against Fogging, 2020 Ink and spray paint on paper 149 x 224 cm
      Nobuaki Takekawa
      Mosquitoes’ Resistance Against Fogging, 2020
      Ink and spray paint on paper
      149 x 224 cm
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    • Nobuaki Takekawa FOUR CYCLE OF RACISM, 2015 Acrylic on canvas 145.5 x 291 cm (2 panels: each 145.5 x 145.5 cm)
      Nobuaki Takekawa
      FOUR CYCLE OF RACISM, 2015
      Acrylic on canvas
      145.5 x 291 cm (2 panels: each 145.5 x 145.5 cm)
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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.