ikeuchi hiroto brings surreal, yet functional cyberpunk tech to SAI tokyo

IKEUCHI HIROTO ROBOTIS EXHIBITION AT SAI GALLERY IN TOKYO

following his campaign with balenciaga, japanese artist ikeuchi hiroto presents his largest solo exhibition to date at SAI gallery in tokyo. on view from january 8 until 30, the show consists of a conceptual space featuring full-body robot suits together with new large-scale works created in collaboration with interactive design company PROTOTYPE INC.

a selection of ikeuchi’s previous work will enhance the experience by providing visitors with the opportunity to see the development and inspiration behind the artist’s creative process. from his early works consisting of dioramas formed from the combination of models and computer parts, to his latests works designed to be worn, the pieces are made with headsets and gadgets created from industrial and technological materials, loaded with the potential to evolve in different directions.

images courtesy of SAI gallery

IKEUCHI HIROTO’S WORK EMBODIES PERFECT CYBERPUNK FASHION PIECES MADE FROM READY-MADE PLASTIC MODELS

ikeuchi hiroto’s work embodies perfect cyberpunk fashion pieces made from ready-made plastic models and industrial parts. from tiny buttons to real circuit boards, the wearable pieces distance the found objects from their original context, giving them a new value and meaning. the pieces, which operate both as a product and as an artwork, can be worn by humans as they retain their original function. when used, the works offer a glimpse of new discoveries while adding an experience layer to the observation one.

and while the pieces evoke a sense of nostalgia, they also hint to the near-future through their cyberpunk aesthetic.

A SENSE OF NOSTALGIA THAT HINTS TO THE NEAR-FUTURE

born in tokyo in 1990, ikeuchi’s work has been influenced by both international and japanese pop culture franchises from his childhood, including star wars, voids and gundman. his current style is an evolution of his early works created after graduating from university. a neat arrangement of small parts together with an inorganic color palette result in a visual stimulation that is enhanced by their imminent function. overall, ikeuchi’s work is therefore a tool for communication and an individual method of expression.

the fully functional and extremely couture pieces have also been part of balenciaga’s spring 2022 campaign, where models wearing ikeuchi’s exoskeletons have been outfitted with ready-to-wear, jewelry, handbags and shoes. the artist has also collaborated with other brands like GENTLE MONSTER and shu uemura, and his work has been published in V magazine, vogue and purple magazine.