Artist Ken Hamaguchi's Ukiyo-e: A New Frontier
The graphic "WORM" Ukiyo-e combines “WORM,” the rebounding king who made history in the NBA, with the composition of ukiyo-e, a popular art form from the Edo period.
This artwork was created by
Ken Hamaguchi, a painter who has produced many masterpieces for APPLEBUM.
This time, we interviewed Mr. Hamaguchi and asked him about the background of the production and the intentions behind his work.
Through Mr. Hamaguchi's gentle words, we felt his sincerity as a craftsman and his clear passion.
Please enjoy.
[Ken Hamaguchi Profile]
Born in Nagasaki Prefecture in 1972, a painter and artist.
After graduating from Tama Art University with a major in Japanese painting, he worked as an illustrator before debuting as an artist in 2008.
He is highly acclaimed for his unique worldview, which combines pop culture and subcultures with exceptional realism and edgy humor.
Instagram: @hamaguchi_painter_jp
The sensation of using "muscles" I don't normally use
── First, please tell us what you were conscious of when working on this "WORM" Ukiyo-e piece.
Hamaguchi Ken (hereinafter, Hamaguchi): I usually draw realistic works, so it was difficult to switch my mindset to a ukiyo-e style.
If I don't consciously make an effort, I tend to view the subject realistically.
It felt like I was using "muscles I don't normally use" to draw.
── "Muscles I don't normally use," that's an interesting expression.
Hamaguchi: Ukiyo-e requires you to create your own unique deformations and movements.
Sharaku's actor portraits from the Edo period, for example, exaggerate the moment of "mie wo kiru" (a stylized pose in Kabuki theater).
I used that as a reference.
── What is your favorite point in this work?
Hamaguchi: It's the eyes, after all.
This was Mr. Sakaguchi's (APPLEBUM CEO) idea, but it was to combine "the moment of aiming for a rebound under the basket" with looking diagonally upward and incorporating it into the ukiyo-e composition.
The craftsman's commitment to "not limiting genres"
── I'd also like to ask about your own production stance, Mr. Hamaguchi.
Hamaguchi: I want to be prepared to handle any kind of painting or request.
Personally, I think a singer who can sing not only enka but also jazz and rock freely is more impressive (to use a song analogy).
I don't really want to limit my own style.
── Please also tell us about your technicalこだわり (こだわり - commitment/attention to detail).
Hamaguchi: I used an iPad and Apple Pencil for the production.
The movement of muscles can be expressed with just a single line, but
the thickness of the lines and the choice of colors are, after all, different from Western realism.
I tried to recreate the texture of the Edo period digitally, being conscious of theかすれ (kasuri - blurred or faded effect) characteristic of woodblock prints.
── I see, so you're recreating "oldness" digitally.
Hamaguchi: That's right. Also, I had a hard time with the shoulder tattoo.
I didn't have any high-resolution images, so I referenced patterns from bootleg T-shirts (laughs).
This time, it was "WORM" from a period when he had fewer tattoos, but it was interesting how they gradually increased later on.
── Do you listen to music while working?
Hamaguchi: Yes, I do. Lately, I often listen to old disco and soul records.
Since I sit for a long time while working, flipping the record every 20 minutes or so actually sets a good rhythm.
It also helps prevent a lack of exercise (laughs).
Throughout the interview, I caught a glimpse of Mr. Hamaguchi's professional approach to "client work."
Respecting the client's requests, he adjusts and completes the work during the production process.
I felt that the dark circles around "WORM's" eyes at that time were cleverly combined with the unique makeup expressions of ukiyo-e, enhancing both his character and intensity.
I realized that this ukiyo-e series, by fitting "street icons" into the "mold" of ukiyo-e, creates an "unconventional" expression.
Please take your time to appreciate this piece where heterodoxy and tradition, art and street intersect.
Color：White, Black
Material：100% Cotton
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"WORM" Ukiyo-e L/S T-shirt
¥11,000
Color：White, Black
Material：100% Cotton
