The 4th “1_WALL” Graphics Exhibition is part of an open competition for the right to mount a solo show at Guardian Garden. The exhibition features works by the six finalists after two rounds of judging: the first round focused on all entrants’ portfolios, and the second round evaluated the portfolio presentations by the graphic designers selected in the initial round. The final round of judging will take place on March 10 (Thu), i.e. while the exhibition is in progress. During this round, which is open to the public, the six finalists will give presentations of their works, based on which the judges will select the Grand Prize winner. The winner’s prize is the privilege of holding a solo show at the gallery one year later, plus the right to prepare an exhibition pamphlet.
The “1_WALL” open competitions were launched in 2009 to supersede the earlier “Hitotsubo” series of events. Through three rounds of judging, the entrants are evaluated for their artistic proficiency and future potential, as well as their level of commitment to expression through their art. In this fourth exhibition dedicated to graphics, the six finalists will be allocated one wall (2.5 x 3.85m) each on which to show their works. We eagerly invite you to join us to find out who will grab this year’s Grand Prize – a rising star on the graphic horizon sure to garner much attention in the years to come.
The 6 Finalists
*At the open round of final judging on March 10, Kazuhiro Ishihara was selected as the Grand Prix winner.
Sayaka Iida
Born in 1986. Graduated from Musashino Art University, majoring in Scenography, Display and Fashion Design.
“media dolls”
In today’s seemingly chaotic information society, people select information dispassionately. Using the medium of advertising, I expressed such people, who are as diversified as their information.
＊Grand Prize Winner＊
Kazuhiro Ishihara
Born in 1980. Graduated from Osaka Designers’ College with a concentration in Design.
“Tatsumi Electronics”
As an engineer myself, I want to express the wonder and beauty of electrical wiring. I draw in vivid colors applying what I learned technologically from experience plus my powers of imagination. I hope that through my work people will sense my conception, my passion, and my compassion.
Toru Ogasawara
Born in 1975. Graduated from Tokyo Polytechnic University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Media and Image Technology.
“FANTASY”
I’m attracted to lines and colors depicted without conscious intent. Through happenstance occurrences, colors showing through from the reverse side and such, I express somehow weird and unusual sensations as fantasies lurking in everyday life.
Kae Oyanagi
Born in 1976.
“float fall asleep sweeping view”
The works I show attempt, though drawings and images infusing them with strange movement, to convey the instant when you suddenly fall asleep, or the pleasant, warm feeling you get wrapped comfortably in a cozy futon.
Kayo Kaneko
Born in 1978. Graduated from Tama Art University.
“PARTY 99”
I just keep drawing without thinking too much. Days later, I dismantle what I’ve drawn and make a collage, which gives rise to rhythm and context. I find that interesting.
Yukiko Tanemura
Born in 1983. Graduated from Tama Art University with a concentration in Oil Painting
“The light that used to shine in”
When I draw recalling
memories of my mother’s family,
little by little it diverges and becomes a story.
Now is the beginning of everything.
The point from where I gaze on the story.
Born in Tokyo 1975. Graduated from Tokyo Polytechnic University,Faculty of Arts,Department of Imagin...
Born in 1976. Oyanagi works on drawings, animation of the drawings, books and illustrations.
Awards:...
Judges (in Japanese syllabary order)
Tatsuya Ariyama（Art director, Graphic designer）
Ichio Otsuka（Illustrator, Art director）
Illustrator and art director born in Niigata Prefecture in 1968. In addition to numerous illustrations created for books, advertising and music-related works, he is art director of “Miitsuketa!,” an educational TV program on NHK. He has published a collection of his works: illustration book, ICHIO Otsuka’s MAGIC! With film director Hirokazu Koreeda he has co-authored the picture book Kuna.
Kenjiro-Sano（Art director）
Art director born in 1972. President of MR_DESIGN Inc. His major work includes Toyota ReBORN, Suntory BOSS, LISMO!, Nyanmage, S.T. Corporation’s Air Counter, T Boo! S for TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System), Mizkan’s Toromame, etc. Nico products and the “Earth Garbage Bag” of his design are sold at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA), Collette in Paris, London’s Design Museum and la Rinascente in Milan. www.mr-design.jp
Hisashi Narita（Art director, Artist）
Naomi Hirabayashi（Art director, Graphic designer）
Organizer: Guardian Garden
