Via Alley presents... Kamon shop.gallery.distribution shop 2, 289 Liverpool St Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Sydney, Australia hello@viaalley.com www.viaalley.com +61-2-9331-1119 Exhibitions: November 16 - December 14 (Keiichi Tanaami x Masaru Ishiura) December 15 - January 11 (Namaiki x Marok x Naohiro Ukawa) A heraldic symbol...an indication of bloodline, lineage…an ancient standing. Kamon are Japanese symbols of time past, derived from patterns of natural phenomenon: the stars, moon, rivers and mountains. Over time, they have been altered and modified, like dividing cells, into new iconic forms. As a collective, Kamon Design engineer ancient Kamon into modern works of art. Designers Keiichi Tanaami, Masaru Ishiura, Namaiki, Marok and Naohiro Ukawa take pieces of the codified past and translate it into a new present, their books, prints and animations creating a Kamon kaleidoscope that evolves before the eye. Kamon have exhibited widely around the world in creative boltholes such as Berlin's Circle Culture Gallery, Pret a Porter Paris, Tokyo's Mori Arts Centre and Paul Smith's London boutique. For the first time in Australia, Via Alley presents the works of Kamon Design in two rounds. On November 15, Keiichi Tanaami x Masaru Ishiura go head to head. Followed on December 14 with Namaiki x Marok x Naohiro Ukawa. Along with 16 unique artworks there will be Kamon Design(ed) books, tees, scarves and caps for sale, so you can take a piece on Kamon home with you. www.kamondesign.com www.viaalley.com Keiichi Tanaami Tokyo-born Keiichi Tanaami graduated from Musashino Art University and went on to experiment in graphic design on furniture, toys, animation and books. His Rolling '60s label is widely revered in Japan for its highly designed, T-shirts, shoes and sculptures and have been featured in publications such as idn, Axis and ART it. www.kingofmountain.info/rolling_60s Marsaru Ishiura One third of TGB Design, Marsaru Ishiura is a jack of all artistic trades. Art direction for companies such as Dior and Toshiba, character design for relax and apparel branding for BEAMS all feature on Ishiura’s CV. This is the artists’ first exhibition in Australia. www.tgbdesign.com Namaiki Also known as the 'Guerilla Gardeners', Namiki have garnered an international reputation for unleashing wild broccoli on the streets of Tokyo. New Zealand graphic designer David Duval-Smith and British architect Michael Frank aren't afraid of pushing boundaries. When they are not listening to hard-core gospel or growing stuff, the Tokyo-based duo are creating posters for Nike, designs for local Tokyo Ale beer, and their own brand of bicycle frames. www.namaiki.com Marok Berlin born Thomas Marecki is Marok. Former publisher and art director of pop-cul magazine Lodown, Marecki's background is well-versed in skate and graf culture. He has exhibited widely in Japan and Europe, but this will be his first show in Australia. www.marok.info Naohiro Ukawa Self dubbed 'media rapist' Naohiro Ukawa has his fingers in a lot of creative pies. Graphic designer, DJ, VJ, art director and university professor, the Japanese artist breathes design. Art direction for Boredoms and Bulgari, VJing for Jeff MILLS and Merzbow and his own graphics company MOM"N"DAD productions keep him busy. www.momndadproductions.com For all press, product and image enquiries, please shoot a mail to hello@viaalley.com and we promise to get back to you in a jiffy. Supporters You have received this email because you have previously been on the VA friend list. If you no longer wish to receive these updates, please click here.