YADORU
Kokeshi originated in the hot springs of Tohoku. It looks like an ornament, but it was originally enjoyed as a children’s toy. The design expresses hopes for rich harvests or a child’s growth. Considered a spiritual object, they have spread as people began to associate them with different things.
YADORU is an experimental series with the theme of classic toys from Tohoku. We studied traditions through fieldwork, visiting workshops, and added our own expressions and interpretations. Projecting an image of an uncolored kokeshi on a canvas, we reexamine a familiar art from a slightly different angle.
This display includes two exhibitions; a viewing of 130 faces featured in our display at Yamagata Biennale 2018, and an interactive event where visitors can have their own faces photographed.
Director：Hiroki Sato
CG Designer：Kenji Tanaka
Programmer：Atsushi Yoshimura
Creative Director：Kaoru Kudo
Producer：Takuya Inagaki
Sound Design：Tomohiro Nagasaki
Cooperation：Tohoku University of Art and Design, Syuichi & Naomi Umeki (Kokeshi artisans of Zaotakayu)
Produce：Takenori Miyamoto
Artist Profile
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WOW
WOW
WOW is a visual design studio based in Tokyo, Sendai and San Francisco. We are involved in a wide field of design from advertising and commercial works to installation works for exhibition spaces, and also invent new user interface designs for prominent brand names. We are also very passionate about creating original art works, holding exhibitions not only in Japan but also internationally. We are continuously discovering the tremendous possibilities of visual design, and the visual designs that are useful for society bring out the best talents of each artist and designer.