Things that you had no interest in suddenly seem to come to life ––– If we could have such an experience, how much more enjoyable would daily life be? “Art” tends to become a little complicated at first glance, so UNIQLO PARK Yokohama Bayside Store held a workshop event where participants could casually experience art creation with Japanese artist group “magma”.
It is interesting to see how the materials look unique when they are expressed differently from how they are actually used
“magma” is a Japanese artist group consisting of Jun Sugiyama and Kenichi Miyazawa. In “Pokémon Meets Artist 2022 Spring/Summer UT”, they worked with Pokémon and UNIQLO for the first time to create art for a graphic T-shirt. Their specialty is collage art, in which they combine ordinary materials into fascinating works of art.
“This was our first time doing a workshop with members of the general public. It was a very refreshing experience for us to help people experience art creation, and to be able to look at our usual methods objectively.” (Sugiyama)
All materials for the collage were prepared by magma. The materials were nothing particularly new. Just household items, toys, tools, etc.
“We chose things with a variety of bright colors, and shapes that would not be dangerous for children to touch, and things that would show an interesting perception when expressed differently from how they are actually used.” (Miyazawa)
The theme is “lobster”. The reason is, “since the items are daily necessities, I thought it would be more interesting if the creations became lively with complex silhouettes.” (Miyazawa)
From children as young as 2 years old to adults enjoy creating shapes with their fingertips
The collage art making experience with magma can be enjoyed by everyone. That is what makes it fascinating. We asked the parents of a 2-year-old child, who experienced crafting for the first time, what they thought.
“It was difficult for a 2 year-old to create shapes especially as it was his/her first crafting experience, but it was a great experience to see our child having so much fun as he/her used his fingertips a lot, grabbing and sometimes throwing small parts. Adults were carefully placing the pieces, whereas the children were bold and innovative, which was also interesting.”
This customer said, “I love Pikachu, and I was very impressed with magma's work, so I decided to participate.”
Children's creativity sometimes takes them in directions that adults do not expect and lands them in places that even surprises the artists.
“I was impressed with the work that expressed jewelry toys as tears. It is so pure.” (Miyazawa)
How does magma feel about their methods and techniques being communicated to the public?
“I’m simply happy. I’d be more happy if they imitate us.” (Sugiyama)
“Everyone was impressive. Even though the materials are the same, each person focused on different parts and there were no similar creations.” (Sugiyama)
Many of the participants said that they learned the joy of creating something different with something familiar and wanted to try it at home as well. What kind of materials should we use?
“You will feel pressure if you use a material that you are emotionally attached to, so you should use something unimportant and make it into something that you will be attached to.” (Sugiyama)
The collage art taught by magma was mesmerizing. How? It made us all feel that we too can become artists.
The graphic T-shirts, where Pokémon have been transformed into different art forms through the magic of magma, are available at UNIQLO stores nationwide and the e-commerce site.
Make your own T-shirt with collage art!
Why don’t you create your own collage art using the sketch of a lobster by magma, that was used at the event? The art can be made into your own original T-shirt and tote bag using UTme!
The event was held at…
UNIQLO PARK Yokohama Bayside store
As the name suggests, this is a UNIQLO store with an integrated park, for families. Miyazawa of magma praised the building's uniqueness, saying, "The athletic exterior is innovative and cool”. A customer also commented, "Parents with children really appreciate the fact that we can shop and also let children play in the building. It has a nice view and is family-friendly, so I want to come and visit again.”
PROFILE
magma｜Composed of Jun Sugiyama (right) and Kenichi Miyazawa (left), the artist duo magma reveal their unique worldview through works that combine salvaged materials, plastics, and appliances. Their portfolio includes furniture, product, and spatial design, in addition to works of art.
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