Introducing RUGMATAG's supporting artists
We spoke to three artists supported by RUGMATAG about their backgrounds, their unique styles, and the projects they are currently working on.
I hope that through these interviews you will get to know each artist better!
Be sure to check out our Instagram for the latest updates and work!
RISA
He himself has a background as a dancer and was influenced by HipHop from an early age.
He has been particularly influenced by HipHop and R&B, and now draws their album covers using his unique motif, "Sleepy Eye," and is active in holding exhibitions around the country.
In recent years, he has provided artwork for Toshinobu Kubota's tour goods and was in charge of the visual design for Japan's first curry court.
He also provides artwork to various apparel brands and artists.
In her personal creative endeavors, she is expanding the scope of her activities to include the production of tufting works and live tufting events in various locations.
■Characteristics and style of the work
His works mainly focus on hip-hop culture, and are characterized by his unique style of illustrations of record jackets that have influenced him, as well as a sleepy-eyed icon called Sleepy Eye.
In recent years, in his tufting works, he has been focusing on producing three-dimensional rugs by mixing loop pile and cut pile, using tufting guns with different pile lengths.
■Current and upcoming activities and projects
We plan to hold more exhibitions and pop-ups across the country in the future.
I would like to continue honing my skills and working hard to create spaces that are even more enjoyable for our customers.
Currently, the works are only available for sale at the exhibition venue and POPUP venue, so they are not available for sale online.
So, we would be thrilled if you could come to the venue, and we will do our best to hold the event at various venues!
Embroidery Creator Katsumi Takeoka
She creates Hong Kong-themed works using mainly punch needle and tufting techniques. She loves Hong Kong food and culture and has been a Hong Kong fanatic for about 10 years.
In 2021, he was certified as a Super Hong Kong Fan by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and in 2023 he exhibited his works as an invited artist at the international art event "ARTS IN HONG KONG 2023" held in Hong Kong.
The brand has been featured in many Hong Kong media outlets, and smartphone cases are now on sale by Hong Kong mobile phone accessory brand CASETiFY.
■Characteristics and style of the work
・The theme I'm working on is Hong Kong, which I love. I want to convey the wonder and fun of Hong Kong through my work.
・Style I create works that capture Hong Kong's culture, energy, and my own impressions of Hong Kong. I aim to create works that are not in Hong Kong but that give a sense of Hong Kong.
・I loved the pop and colorful colors.
I think the reason I fell in love with Hong Kong was because of the colorful streets, signs, and neon lights. I later learned that the use of colors in Hong Kong is based on Feng Shui.
Technique: Punch needle & tufting
I would like to continue creating works that can convey my love for Hong Kong to as many people as possible.
■ Future activities and projects
Solo Exhibitions
I hold a solo exhibition in Osaka every two years, and hope to hold a solo exhibition in Hong Kong in the future.
Workshops are held irregularly.
A workshop (task: bag charm) is planned for November 29th and 30th, 2024 at ABC Craft in Abeno Q's Mall.
The project received support from Hong Kong company Trend Link Industrial Co., Ltd. and the decision was made to commercialize the product.
・Currently developing collaborative works (ceramics) with Yutton China Works, a leading Hong Kong ceramics brand, and selling them at Hong Kong's M+ Museum and other venues.
・Currently creating products in collaboration with a popular Hong Kong Instagrammer ・Scheduled to exhibit at an exhibition hosted by TV Osaka from November 19th to December 2nd, 2024 (1st floor of the new TV Osaka headquarters in Tenmabashi)
Sakura Sugiyama
Born in Tokyo in 1995. After graduating from the Design Department of Bunka Fashion College, she worked as a designer assistant at a domestic brand. In 2022, she discovered tufting and began her production activities, which she continues to this day.
Before deciding to study fashion, I wanted to study Japanese painting at an art college. The art studies I did for the entrance exams were centered around pencil sketches, and I was expected to draw what I saw exactly as it was (or even more beautifully).
Since then, I have loved sketches that can express texture and three-dimensionality with just a pencil, and they naturally became a source of inspiration for my tufting works. For me, tufting is like painting, with pencils replaced with yarn. I create my works as if I were drawing a picture, always exploring how realistic I can express things with yarn.
■Characteristics and style of the work
I create realistic pieces using monochrome threads.
Rather than simply creating practical rugs to lay on the floor, we take a different approach and make use of our experience to date.
■Current and upcoming activities and projects
As of now, we are planning a joint exhibition in Ueno, Tokyo in January of next year.
summary
The works created by the artists are full of their own unique charm.
We hope you will continue to pay attention to and support our future activities.
Please come visit our exhibitions and workshops and experience the charm of our products for yourself!
For more information, please see the links for each artist.
Thank you to all the artists for your cooperation.
RISA @ risa_attitude
Embroidery creator Katsumi Takeoka @ katsumitakeoka
sakura sugiyama @ sakurasugiyama_tuft
