At the beginning of 2024, I participated in a group exhibition Territory Market vol.1 to vol.3.
Thank you to everyone who came and to those who made a purchase. I was able to kickstart 2024 on a positive note!
Here are all the new pieces that I displayed, along with my heartfelt passion for each work!
Vol. 1 January 6-8, 2024
watercolor on Arches paper
16 x12 inches
I love everything from couture collections to street fashion. I’ve enjoyed working in fashion as a graphic designer and a bag designer, always being amazed by the ever-changing trends.
This passion remains strong even now, as I’ve decided to start drawing.
While browsing the internet, as usual, I came across Men’s Non-no model Kotaro Inai wearing a bright red Undercover knit that instantly lifted my spirits. The words on it are also really cool. The beanie is a Loewe from 246inc, founded by Ristia’s founder Hiroaki Takashita.
This drawing is fan art of my favorite fashion.
watercolor on Clester paper
I found a super stylish flower shop near my workplace, so fancy that I can’t even remember its name or pronounce it.
I ordered a small floral arrangement and the combination of colors and the balance of shapes was just perfect—so adorable it made my heart dance.
When I got home, I drew the bouquet. The intricate shapes of the flowers, the stems, leaves, and buds intertwining so dynamically, and not just their cuteness, but the sheer presence of the flowers amazed me.
I lost count of how many pictures I painted, trying out different angles and colors. Finally, when I captured the free and graceful leaves and stems the beautiful colors, and the perfect flowers I had envisioned, a little bear pretending to be a flower fairy peeked out from between the blooms and said, “Hi!”
watercolor on Watson paper
Good times are when you gather with friends who love the same music and enjoy each other’s company. It’s even better if there are stylish drinks and nice weather—what a bonus!
I drew this perfect moment, thinking of a party where everyone managed to come together despite busy schedules. At first, it seemed like a hassle, but once you went, it was a blast!
I hope there will be many more parties with fun friends. Who knows, maybe a ‘fluffy party’ like this is happening somewhere right now!?
Vol. 2 February 10-12, 2024
watercolor on watercolor paper
This piece is titled “Primavera,” which means “Spring” in Italian. I was inspired by a blouse from the Danish brand Ganni, the brand I am most interested in.
I love using watercolor’s bleeding and blurring effects to express the various textures and sensations of fashion. It’s such a joy to paint these feelings.
watercolor on watercolor paper
The bears enjoy the cold winter as an opportunity to have fun with fashion. This drawing was inspired by the ad campaign of Mr. Beams’ outerwear.
It’s fun to draw fashionable people turned them into bears! By drawing, I realize just how carefully they select colors and different materials to create each look. I’ve come to have great respect for these stylish men.
watercolor on Waterford paper
16 x12 inches
The title and motif are inspired by a dance I saw a few years ago that left me shocked by its eerie, mysterious, and delicate nature. It’s one of the dances from “Butoh,” a style where you move not on your own but are guided by flowers. I depicted a dance that embodies not just the flowers’ cuteness but their strong spirit as well.
Vol. 3 March 16-17, 2024
watercolor on watercolor paper
Fashion inspires me most when it combines coolness and humor. My signature motif, Pukkun the Bear, is made of towels, so I dressed it in a towel skirt that Balenciaga introduced this spring.
Territory Market
Vol.01 January 6-8, 2024
Vol.02 February 10-12, 2024
Vol.03 March 16-17, 2024