In 21_21 Design Sight’s latest exhibition イメージメーカー展 (Image-makers), strong, theatrical images by image-makers from diverse fields of creativity from both Japan and abroad gather to create a world of fantasy and entertainment under the direction of Hélène Kelmachter. The fabulous exhibition includes works by Jean-Paul Gaude, Noritaka Tatehana, David Lynch and Photographer Hal to name just a few.
A very fun addition to the exhibition was the interactive section where exhibition attendees could try on Noritaka Tatehana’s sculptural shoes. Walking in the heelless shoes proved to be a bit of a balancing act but channeling the likes of Lady Gaga, Daphne Guinness and my inner diva certainly made it easier.
Heelless Shoes, Noritaka Tatehana, 2012-2014.
These fierce shoes wouldn’t exactly be the best choice for long leisurely strolls but could make for a dazzling pair of party shoe. My favorite pair would have to be probably have to be the red (officially dyed pink but dusted with gold to make it look red, though they mysteriously change color depending on the angle) hand painted shoes that have a bit of a renaissance feel to them. They’re also what I imagine the chopines worn in Venice might have looked like during the Renaissance. In second place come the dramatic sparkly studded heels seen in the background.
Noritaka Tatehana.
Zatsuran #06, PinQ & Pomco, Photographer Hal, 2012.
Photographer Hal’s images in Gallery 1 shows couples tightly confined inside sealed vacuum packaging and although very interesting I can’t help but feel a little claustrophobic by just looking at them.
The Floating World, Noritaka Tatehana, 2014.
These exotic shoes were inspired by the distinctively tall footwear worn by oiran (high-ranking courtesans) during the feudal period in Japan yet look more like stunning ornament or sculpture than shoes that are made for walking.
One Spinning Automaton, Jean-Paul Goude.
Three Muses, Jean-Paul Goude.
I find Goude’s photographs of model turned pop singer Grace Jones absolutely stunning. She looks as sharp and beautiful as a panther in the bold images. ♫ Link -This is life ♫
David Lynch lithographs.
If you find yourself in Tokyo at the moment then this is an absolute must-see exhibition so make sure you find the time to stop by and check it out!
Fabulous work with the shoes. I love your hat too!
It is amazing how women wear ridiculous shoes in the name of fashion. I spent many years in my youth wearing stilettos, but now I prefer to look after my feet.
Yes, not to mention the symbolism they carry/carried. I try to be sensible when it comes to feet as there are often long walks in both London and Tokyo. If there´s a function, I carry a shoe bag and change around the corner or when I get there depending on the occasion.
Lovely pictures as always, so exciting to see
My goodness, the Japanese certainly have a thing about shoes! Is this an echo from the past, a modern snapshot of bound feet and mincing steps? Love the colours, but I think they’re more suited as pieces of sculpture than anything you’d wear. But maybe I’m just being too practical.