REMIO, a popular graffiti artist currently based in Paris with fans all over the world, will have his work featured at Isetan Shinjuku. The lineup includes everything from art pieces to merchandise, all infused with REMIO's unique worldview. Also, look forward to the special collaboration with a Japanese artist, realized specifically for this event!

View REMIO products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

1. REMIO Profile

REMIO established himself as a graffiti artist by traveling the world. He is one of the founders of the graffiti crew VTS (Vandal Team Supreme). REMIO's playful and original characters and graffiti style stimulate the viewer's imagination and transport them to a new, colorful world.

He is known for his graffiti that personifies the letter "R," which seems to have endless variations.

2. Art and Goods Introduction

art

*Please note that information about the works may be revised or changed without prior notice.

merchandise

REMIO soft vinyl figures: ¥22,000 each

The soft vinyl figures, previously produced to commemorate the opening of HUF Osaka, are now available in three special Isetan colors.
The backstory is that Haroshi created a clay prototype based on Remio's artwork, with the intention of it becoming an iconic piece for the store, like Haroshi's middle finger at HUF LA or the apple sculpture at HUF NY.
This time, for REMIO's first art show at Isetan Shinjuku, COMMON GROUND asked HUF for cooperation and commissioned HxS to produce a special color version.

*Available only in stores.
*Please see below for information regarding the sale of this product.

View details about sales

REMIO T-shirt ¥6,930

View Products

REMIO T-shirt ¥6,930

View Products

REMIO LONG T-shirt ¥9,900

View Products

REMIO Beanie ¥6,600

View Products

View REMIO products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

3. Interview

—Could you tell us about the inspiration and creative process behind your work?

My artwork is inspired by my mother's handwriting and my friends' tags. I also draw a lot of inspiration from cartoons like "The Simpsons" and Japanese food packaging. I keep all of these things inside me, and when I create new art, ideas come from my subconscious. It's a very natural and free way of doing things.

—What artists or works have influenced you the most in your career so far?

When I was younger, I was very inspired by artists like Barry McGee and Os Gemeos. I worked with them, and we are now close friends.

In animation, besides "The Simpsons," I was also influenced by "Looney Tunes," "Heathcliff," and "Transformers."

I was also influenced by the strange Eastern European cartoons I watched on television as a child growing up in Norway in the 1980s. I don't remember the names, but they are deeply etched in my memory.

—Could you tell us about your thoughts on holding your first exhibition at Isetan Shinjuku, and the message or theme you've put into your work?

The concept of this show is to focus on the power of handstyle and the art of vandalism.

We vandals are often looked down upon compared to artists. However, we have spent many years honing our skills and possess a high level of creativity.

The nuances and details in our tags are no accident. Every curve, connection, and arrow has deep meaning to us. Years of culture, history, and tradition are hidden within our handcrafted style.

—Do you have any particular style or characteristics when creating your works?

Ultimately, my style is defined by "speed." It's about quickly executing tags and drawings.

The icons I use have had their lines removed to speed up the application process. Focusing on the essential elements is crucial to conveying my message.

—What are your thoughts on the impact that works of art have on society and people?

My goal is to spread positive energy and encourage people to question the world around them.

I hope that questions like, "What does that mean?" and "What does that signify?" will arise in the minds of ordinary people.

Any graffiti writer will already know the answer: "REMIO WAS THERE!"

—Could you tell us about your future prospects and new projects?

I am currently launching a new high-end fashion brand that will showcase my work as well as the work of other contemporary artists. The brand is called REMYNAO.

This is a brand I created in collaboration with Naotake Nogata, a friend of mine for over 20 years and former head designer at HUF USA. A talented and experienced Japanese designer and vintage collector, he possesses a vast amount of knowledge and brings a great deal of experience to the brand as both a designer and a style visionary.

—What are some of the highlights or special moments in your career as an artist?

Expanding from the streets to spaces like Isetan Shinjuku, museums like Watari Museum of Contemporary Art, and numerous galleries around the world has been a great joy for me, and the experience has allowed me to explore new ideas and themes. I am grateful for art in my life and for its continued power.

—What message would you like to convey to those who will be viewing your work this time?

Please embrace the power of graffiti tags (letters drawn in a single color) as an art form.

4. Purchase Bonus

During the event, REMIO will be visiting on the following dates and times. Customers who purchase art or merchandise will receive a complimentary autograph or paint job from REMIO himself! Don't miss this opportunity.

■March 20th (Wednesday, public holiday) 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

■ Friday, March 22nd, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

■March 23rd (Sat) 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

■March 24th (Sun) 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

*Please note that the schedule is subject to change.

*All prices include tax.
*Some images are for illustrative purposes only.
＊The information in this article is current as of the time of publication. Product information may be revised or changed without notice.

*Product information has been updated. March 18, 2024

Read the original article here ▶

Read the featured article on the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.