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June 27, 2023
The famous shot capturing Banksy is made into a statue. James Pfaff interview | MEDICOM TOY
MEDICOM TOY
Monkey Mask Session TM by James Pfaff Statue
Banksy, wearing a mask, appears as a statue in a photograph taken by James Pfaff. To commemorate its release, we interviewed photographer and contemporary artist James Pfaff!
Text by SHINNO Kunihiko | Edit by TOMIYAMA Eizaburo
The "Monkey Mask Session" was quickly arranged and shot in a London back alley.
Banksy, the enigmatic artist whose first solo exhibition in 14 years (held in Glasgow, Scotland) has become a major topic of conversation, has never revealed his face. However, in 2003, he created a famous shot known as "Monkey Mask Session," in which he wore a monkey mask.
The photographer and contemporary artist James Pfaff, born in Scotland in 1965, took this photograph. Pfaff, whose clients include top magazines such as Vanity Fair, GQ, ELLE, The Wire, and The Face, is one of the few individuals connected to Banksy, having also produced "Canvas Session," which featured a recent photo of the artist in Banksy's only official art book, "Wall and Piece."
The "Monkey Mask Session TM by James Pfaff Statue," to be released by Medicom Toy, is a three-dimensional representation of James Pfaff's "Monkey Mask Session" photograph. We spoke with Pfaff, who has been greatly influenced by Japanese culture, about the circumstances of the shoot and his thoughts on art.
When you think of Banksy, the image of a cheeky monkey likely comes to mind.
You have worked extensively in advertising, fashion, and design. Could you tell us about some of your favorite projects?
James PfaffI've had a long and varied career, spanning about 40 years, both commercially and artistically. Photography has been my primary focus until recently. As you mentioned, I've been involved in photography across various fields, including advertising, fashion, and design. I've also worked on personal projects like "Alex & Me," and as a music and portrait photographer. During this time, many notable figures, including Eric Clapton and Sean Ono Lennon, have been in front of my lens. You'll likely recognize those two.
You began your career as a photographer in Glasgow and moved to Hamburg, Germany, in 1994. You were influenced by the Reeperbahn entertainment district. Could you share some memories from that time that influenced your subsequent work?
James PfaffMoving from Glasgow to Hamburg was a pivotal moment for me. I had never experienced a place like Hamburg or its infamous Reeperbahn. It's probably similar to what a young person in Japan might encounter for the first time in Shinjuku, Tokyo – not a unique experience, perhaps. Meeting fascinating people and walking through this new, energetic neon landscape made me feel completely free. Many of the people I met there lived unconventional lives that defied the norm, which was inspiring. It was also an exciting period photographically. I began documenting the new environment for myself, and that became the foundation for many of my personal projects.
You've also visited Japan. What were your impressions?
James PfaffAh, Japan! I've visited many times since my first trip in 1998. While my interests have evolved with age, Japan has always welcomed me, from the nightclubs of Shibuya to the Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa. The people, the land, the food, and the culture. There's so much more! Japan is a special place for me. Artistically, I've been deeply influenced by the Japanese seasons, the colors, and washi paper as an artistic material.
Could you tell us about when you first met Banksy?
James PfaffI moved to London in 2001. Around that time, through a mutual friend, I met Banksy just as he was beginning to gain recognition. I can say a few things about this period. He worked with an obsessive focus. He was already a political artist, a well-read individual, and an interesting person who thought for himself. Looking back, it seems like a rather chaotic time for both of us.
You collaborated with Banksy on the "Monkey Mask Session" in 2003 and on the portrait for his book "Wall and Piece." Could you share some anecdotes from those shoots?
James PfaffIt's about the face and the mask. When you think of Banksy, the image of a cheeky monkey likely comes to mind. To date, his unmasked face has not been publicly revealed. This anonymity initially stemmed from a desire to avoid arrest, but it later evolved into part of Banksy's artistic performance. Before this new identity was established, I photographed him with his mask partially removed, but that wasn't enough. The "Monkey Mask Session" was quickly arranged and shot in a London back alley. Of course, I won't say where! As you mentioned, his portrait appears in Banksy's book "Wall and Piece." It's iconic and the most recognized image of Banksy.
Banksy continues to engage in various artistic activities worldwide without revealing his identity. What aspects of his philosophy resonate with you?
James PfaffBanksy is the most famous artist in the art world who is not yet fully recognized by the mainstream. I believe this is because many people focus not only on the works themselves but also on his activism, which continues to disrupt the established art market while highlighting causes that Banksy champions. The space between socio-politics and iconoclasm is Banksy's domain, and this is the aspect that resonates with me. His work goes far beyond the superficial.
The "Monkey Mask Session" is now being released as a statue by Medicom Toy in Japan. What are your thoughts on this project and the finished product?
James PfaffI had the idea for the "Monkey Mask Session" statue back in 2020 and had already created it in 3D before contacting Medicom Toy. I wanted the highest standard of product to be made with respect for this project, and Medicom Toy was the ideal partner. I am very pleased with the final result. The details and colors are all perfect, and it reminds me of when I created the original piece.
What were your impressions of Medicom Toy's activities and their BE@RBRICK line?
James PfaffMedicom Toy is always innovative and contemporary. I fell in love with BE@RBRICK at first sight. As far as I know, it's one of the most interesting art toys. Layering images onto the iconic shape of BE@RBRICK—for example—creates unique art products and philosophical questions. "What is this form?" "What does it mean?" "Why is it so cute?"
The field of "art toys" is currently popular worldwide. What are your thoughts on this trend?
James PfaffAs an artist, the popularity of "art toys" and working with Medicom Toy has provided me with unexpected opportunities to express myself and showcase my work globally. Working in this way has opened up new ways of thinking about what is possible. Please look forward to future developments.
We look forward to them. Lastly, could you tell us about any projects you are currently working on?
James PfaffIn parallel with the current project with Medicom Toy, I am teaching photography and working on my second book. This book consists of images from Japan and discusses how photography and photographers capture the world. I am fully immersed in this right now and have busy days.
Monkey Mask Session TM by James Pfaff Statue
Size | Approx. 450mm total height
Release Date | Scheduled for release in July 2023 at 2G and MEDICOM TOY PLUS
Price | ¥107,800 (tax included)
"Banksy, Monkey Mask Session" Image ©️ James Pfaff, 2003 Monkey Mask Session (R)/TM James Pfaff
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