Feature: Creators Behind the Art Lounge 'SUNDAY ISSUE' - Part 2: Interview with Art Director Naomi Hirabayashi

Creators Behind the Art Lounge 'SUNDAY ISSUE'

Vol. 2: An Interview with Art Director Naomi Hirabayashi

Scheduled to open on July 15 (Thursday) in Shibuya, the art lounge 'SUNDAY ISSUE,' and the cafe 'ON THE CORNER,' set to open on July 24 (Saturday). This is the second installment in a series featuring the voices of those involved in creating these two establishments. This time, we spoke with Naomi Hirabayashi, the art director who participated in the launch of 'SUNDAY ISSUE,' the art lounge opening on the floor above 'ON THE CORNER.'

Text & Photo by SASAKI Naoyuki

I Want to Keep Challenging Myself in Fields Where Professional Skills Are Tested More Rigorously

Art director Naomi Hirabayashi first gained attention for her design of Shiseido's cosmetic line 'FSP' during her tenure at the company. After working at the London design studio 'MadeThought,' she became independent in 2005. Since then, she has handled graphic design across a wide range of fields, including fashion, music, and book covers.

—What kind of projects are you currently working on?

I mostly handle apparel brand catalogs year-round. Additionally, I've been increasingly involved in package design for cosmetics, detergents, NTT Docomo mobile phone boxes, and 'HOPE' cigarettes. In music, I often receive requests for designs for memorial albums, such as best-of collections and anniversary albums.

—Could you tell us about one of your most recent projects?

Naomi Hirabayashi

Benesse Holdings operates a museum and hotel on Naoshima island in the Seto Inland Sea. Nearby, on Teshima island, there's an exhibition by the artist Christian Boltanski opening on July 19 (Monday, holiday). I've recently been traveling between Tokyo and Teshima for the graphics of this special exhibition.

In the future, I'd like to take on more public and 'professional' work, such as airport signage or completely redesigning banks. I want to challenge myself in fields that demand design know-how and professional skills applicable to all kinds of situations.

—What were your thoughts when creating the logo for 'SUNDAY ISSUE'?

I had several meetings with Meg Ota, the director of 'SUNDAY ISSUE,' while she showed me an image book filled with photos she had taken in places like New York. We even brainstormed the naming together, allowing me to be involved from the very inception of the project.

'SUNDAY ISSUE' refers to the Sunday edition of a newspaper, and we envisioned something that evokes local news closer to readers' lives, and the relaxed atmosphere unique to Sundays, which differs from the weekday editions. The idea of creating original mugs was also present from the beginning, so I wanted to design something that people would want to keep close by.

—How would you personally use 'ON THE CORNER' and 'SUNDAY ISSUE'?

I'd like to drop by for a quick coffee during short breaks between meetings or to reply to emails. The location is excellent, so it's very convenient for me, as I'm always moving around that area. It's wonderful to see a new gallery emerge. Having a place to experience art in the heart of Shibuya is invaluable. People coming for tea could just happen to stop by.—Perhaps that casualness is part of its appeal. It would be wonderful if it becomes a place that integrates into the daily lives of its visitors.

The next installment, Vol. 3, is scheduled for release on Friday, July 16. Stay tuned!

Art Lounge 'SUNDAY ISSUE' Opening Exhibition: 'BEGINNING! BEGINNING!'

The first exhibition at the art lounge 'SUNDAY ISSUE,' set to open on July 15 (Thursday), celebrates the launch of this new space with works themed around 'beginnings' by 26 emerging artists. Over 60 canvas works, each measuring 20x20cm, will be on display. Additionally, a key feature will be an interactive video installation that uses the exhibition space itself as a medium.

Dates: July 15 (Thursday) – August 13 (Friday)
■ Main Program Artists (in Japanese syllabary order)
Sachiko Ichimura / AC Bu / Hiroshi Onishi / Toru Ogasawara / Ryo Okamoto / Ryuichi Ogino / Akiko Kataoka / CATO FRIEND / Kawa / Quzmo / Erika Kobayashi / CYU / Jun Inoue / JUNOSON / Yutanpo Shirane / Kayo Tamura / DJ Codomo / Atsushi Toyama / Goro Nagashima / Ruka Noguchi / Noritake / Ippei Hirazawa / Houxo Que / Hisae Maeda / Kenichiro Mizuno / MERRY / Takashi Yamaguchi *Video Installation

■ Book Corner Wall Installation
Mizue Ogiso

The gallery space features a floor with an inorganic texture, with natural light filtering in from gaps in the walls (photo, top left). The book corner, exhibiting and selling used books by 'book pic orchestra' (photo, bottom left). In front of the gallery space, a lounge bar is attached, where visitors can casually enjoy drinks while admiring the art.

'SUNDAY ISSUE'
2F Mitake Nomura Bldg., 1-17-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3797-1288 (from July 15 (Thursday))
Hours: 13:00–24:00 (Last Order 23:00) (Tues–Fri)
12:00–19:00 (Sat, Sun, Holidays)
Closed Mondays
http://www.sunday-issue.com/

'ON THE CORNER'
1F Mitake Nomura Bldg., 1-17-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-6427-7273 (from July 24 (Saturday))
Hours: 9:00–02:00 (Last Order 01:00)
http://onthecorner-shibuya.com/