Artist Ken Hamaguchi's Ukiyo-e: A New Frontier
The "WORM" Ukiyo-e graphic combines the image of "WORM," the rebounding champion in NBA history, with the composition of "Ukiyo-e," a popular art form from the Edo period.
This artwork was created by
The artist is Ken Hamaguchi, who has created many masterpieces for APPLEBUM.
This time, we interviewed Hamaguchi and asked him about the behind-the-scenes production process and the intentions behind the work.
Hamaguchi's gentle manner of speaking conveyed his sincerity and undeniable passion as a craftsman.
Please enjoy.
[Ken Hamaguchi Profile]
Born in Nagasaki Prefecture in 1972, painter and artist.
After graduating from Tama Art University with a major in Japanese painting, he worked as an illustrator before making his debut as an artist in 2008.
Taking pop culture and subculture as his subject matter, he has received high praise for his unique worldview, which combines outstanding realism with edgy humor.
Instagram: ＠hamaguchi_painter_jp
The feeling of using muscles that you don't normally use
── First of all, please tell us what you kept in mind when working on this piece, "WORM" Ukiyo-e.
Hamaguchi Ken (hereinafter Hama): I usually draw realistic works, so it was difficult to switch my mindset to the ukiyo-e style.
Unless you pay close attention, you will end up seeing the subject realistically.
It felt like I was drawing using muscles that I don't normally use.
── "Muscles that you don't normally use" is an interesting expression.
Hama: With ukiyo-e, you have to create the unique deformations and movements yourself.
Sharaku's Edo period paintings of actors exaggerate the moment when the actor strikes a pose.
I used that as reference.
── What is your favorite aspect of this work?
Hama: It's definitely the eyes.
This was Sakaguchi-san's (representative of APPLEBUM) idea, and he combined it with the "moment of aiming for a rebound under the basket" and turned the gaze diagonally upwards, incorporating it into the composition of an ukiyo-e.
A craftsman's commitment to "not limiting genres"
── I'd also like to ask you about your own creative approach.
Hama: I want to be ready to respond to any picture or request.
Personally, I think that singers who can freely sing not only enka (to use a singing analogy), but also jazz and rock, are more admirable.
I don't want to limit my style too much.
── Please tell us about your technical commitment.
Hama: I used an iPad and Apple Pencil to create this.
Muscle movement can be expressed with just one line,
The thickness of the lines and the choice of colors are definitely different from Western realism.
We digitally recreated the texture of the Edo period, keeping in mind the faded look typical of prints.
── I see, so you're recreating the "oldness" digitally.
Hama: Yes, that's true. I also had a hard time with the tattoo on my shoulder.
I didn't have any high resolution images so I used the pattern on a bootleg T-shirt as a reference (lol).
This time it was "WORM" when there weren't many tattoos, but it was interesting to see how the number of tattoos increased in the later stages.
── Do you listen to music while you're creating?
Hama: Yes, I do. Lately I've been listening to a lot of old disco and soul records.
Since I end up sitting the whole time while working, turning the board over every 20 minutes or so actually creates a good rhythm.
It also helps prevent lack of exercise (laughs).
Through the interview, we got a glimpse of Hamaguchi's professional side when it comes to his "client work."
While respecting the client's requests, we make adjustments during the production process to complete the work.
The dark circles around the eyes of "WORM" at the time are a good match with the makeup that is unique to ukiyo-e, and I felt that they added to the character's character's character and impact.
I think that this ukiyo-e series is an unconventional expression, as it incorporates "street icons" into the "format" of ukiyo-e.
Please take a closer look at this piece, where unorthodox and traditional, art and street, intersect.
"WORM" Ukiyo-e T-shirt
¥9,900-
Color: White, Black
Material: 100% cotton
"WORM" Ukiyo-e L/S T-shirt
¥11,000
Color: White, Black
Material: 100% cotton
