Eccentric City - Rise and Fall

Though separated by a generation gap of some 30 years, the work of both :phunk studio and Keiichi Tanaami takes place in a fictional alternative reality, illustrated by hallucinogenic graphics and sinister characters, and often rooted in the visual language of traditional Eastern culture.

Tanaami, now 74, has assembled an unparalleled body of work as a visionary artist and animator, while local outfit :phunk studio has garnered much success commercially and artistically as designers for the past 16 years.

Though both can be classified as ‘superstars’ in their own right, they each remain grounded and sincere about supporting young artists looking to learn, grow and succeed.

Tell us about the ‘:phunk vs. Tanaami’ collaboration.
PS: The show is basically two artists: ourselves, as a collective, and Keiichi Tanaami, building a city together. The installation is called the Eccentric City – 2 [and shows] different versions of one city. It will be in the form of a pyramid, composed of cardboard. Tanaami has actually been creating these structures as artwork for the last two decades, and invited us to collaborate on this project with him.

Are there any particular themes explored in the collaboration?
PS: One theme we are exploring is the rise and fall of a city, illustrating the idea of the city as an organic lifeform. They grow and mature, and then deflate, only to be replaced by a young, burgeoning city.

How did the collaboration come about?
PS: Our Japanese agent introduced us to Tanaami-san. Our agent saw we have many things in common and thought it might make for an interesting collaboration. When we were students at university, we were big fans of Tanaami. We never thought we would be working with him one day, so we’re pretty excited about it.
KT: It started with a mutual interest in each other’s art. Their work was introduced to me by mutual friends in Japan. We have a common inspiration and exploration that interests me.

How does the collaboration involve the students of LaSalle – and how will it affect the students involved?
PS: We are running Transmission Lab, an initiative between :phunk studio and LaSalle. It involves 15 students from different disciplines and universities, and their contribution to this project is to help with production of the tatebankos (paper dioramas) and setting up the exhibition. The Transmission Lab is about transmitting, or sharing our knowledge and experience. While Tanaami-san is here, they will be participating in workshops with him. The end result will be both an exhibition and a publication.
KT: I have participated in this type of collaboration with students in Japan. Not only do students learn to make tatebankos, they learn through the process, which results in challenges and accidents. I am very happy to give students an opportunity to experience this process. I hope the artistic activity creates inspiration and stimulation for them.

How important is it for you both to reflect on cultural traditions in your work?
PS: It is interesting to use visual iconography and cultural references for people to relate to the work. When they can identify with it, they are able to have a deeper understanding and emotionally ‘perceive’ the work. Our work is about universal themes. We would like to reflect in our work the purest and simplest ideas. We have explored mythology in our work. Whether it is a new or old myth, they always try to tell the same story – about love, reward for people who do good – always reflecting a common idea. We try to find a common thread and use modern iconography to communicate that idea.
KT: Imagination is a typical characteristic in traditional Japanese art. It is the most influential idea for many artists, who draw or paint a world you don’t see in reality. This is true especially for artists during the Edo period. Art from the Edo period depicted the age of illusion. Three artists from this period particularly influence my work: Rosetsu Nagasawa, Rosetsu Nagasawa and Shohaku Soga.

'Eccentric City”– Rise and Fall’ exhibits at the ICA Gallery 1 of LaSalle College of the Arts. A display of collaborative paintings and silkscreen prints from both :phunk studio and Keiichi Tanaami will also be on show in Art Seasons Gallery in October.