MAMES, the artist duo comprised of Kenta Koshikawa and chami, will hold their solo exhibition "DestinyLand" at 2G (Shibuya PARCO 2F) this spring, from March 30th (Mon) to May 6th (Wed), 2020.

Since their formation in 2005, they have expressed their unique worldview through original drawings, sculptures, art, sumi-e (ink wash painting,理事長 of the Japan Ink Painting Association, Matsui Yosui), fashion design, and music. In recent years, they have also expanded globally as an art brand.

This exhibition is a culmination of MAMES' diverse activities. A luxurious collaboration will also be realized, featuring their representative work "BUTTON" reinterpreted by French textile sculptor Anne Valerie Dupond. First, let's dive into an interview with MAMES.

—Could you tell us about the journey that led you to start the art unit "MAMES" together?

We've both had tumultuous lives, so it's hard to sum it up in a few words, but we've managed to face our art with dedication. Initially, I was drawn to the beauty of regularity and formal aesthetics when arranging paintings, and I focused on that in my work.

I felt that if anything goes, it becomes restrictive and disjointed. Therefore, I concluded that individuality lies in how much you can play within strict rules, and that perfecting this is what makes an artist.

For about 14 years, I was devoted to exploring the details and silhouettes of circles. Then, I decided to leave my agency voluntarily. At the time we decided to go on our own, we explored what we truly loved and what hidden potential we possessed.

Then and now, I realized that what we seek is ultimately the simple existence of "beauty." It's easily misunderstood due to individual sensibilities, and it's ephemeral and poignant. I felt that art pursuing "beauty" is worth pouring all our passion into. The desire to create something new that doesn't yet exist in the world is foolish, beautiful, and valuable.

While painting these indescribable things, I used to draw a lonely, clumsy child who was bad at laughing in a corner. That became "LONELY GIRL." The loneliest child in the world. She has no human friends, but she is more sensitive, pure, and sorrowful than anyone. I wanted to depict fleeting "beauty"—sensations difficult to put into words, beautiful nightmares, inner worlds, and small glimmers of hope in the darkness.

Her most trusted companion, "BUTTON," is also full of dreams and nightmares. BUTTON has been produced in various forms such as NY@BRICK, standard, VAG, JAM, and MEDI... and continues to evolve as a mysterious cat. We feel that MAMES has entered its second phase with "LONELY GIRL" and "BUTTON."

LONELY GIRL comes up with mischievous pranks and surprises people. That's her way of communicating. The exhibition "DestinyLand" project, which begins with this work, is the beginning of her grand dream and nightmare.

—Do you have specific roles when you work together?

Basically, Kenta draws the lines, and chami does everything else. However, the roles have become borderless, and we don't have specific assignments anymore. We often create works based on which of us is better suited for a particular piece.

—You categorize your works into art brands like "METAPOP," "ARTRASH," and "a bear cub ice" based on concepts. Does this reflect your individual styles?

Essentially, yes. For example, the "METAPOP" series is primarily Kenta's work, with a POP and nostalgic, yet mysterious worldview reminiscent of old cartoons. "a bear cub ice" is entirely chami's solo brand, featuring teddy bears with jewel-like ears, based on the concept of "loved by all and beautiful." This character is the opposite of my inner self. "ARTRASH" is a collaboration between the two of us, expressing a gothic underground. It combines our memories, things we love, and anything that feels beautiful even when distorted or extreme, allowing new creations to flow freely.

—Please tell us about your encounter with MEDICOM TOY.

When I first saw BE@RBRICK, I was amazed, thinking, "Is there anything so beautiful in the world?!" The minimalist design, with its perfect curves and angles, is endlessly captivating. The placement of the face is also exquisite. I admired their sense, which creates an overwhelming "beauty" through meticulous calculation and continues to fascinate the world. Our encounter with MEDICOM TOY as MAMES was when we were selected for the artist slot in BE@RBRICK SERIES 31. I was truly moved when we were contacted.

—Could you share some memorable items released by MEDICOM TOY so far?

Every item released by MEDICOM TOY holds a special memory. For BE@RBRICK SERIES 31 "Akaoni-kun" and VAG's "Hanuman" and "BUTTON," we met people who continue to support us dearly. Each person who looks forward to MAMES' work is an irreplaceable presence. We always look forward to the new encounters that await us with future items.

I have countless memories of "BUTTON." For instance, the large-sized BUTTON released by JAM had an incredible presence that amazed me. It's become so integrated into my life that I feel uneasy if it's not with me, whether we're out together or just sitting nearby. Later, inspired by my memories, I created the work "RUINS PLAYGROUND," depicting playground equipment in ruins. This marked a significant shift in my approach to creation and expression. In that sense, it's a deeply memorable piece.

JAM CUSTOM / RUINS PLAYGROUND DestinyLand "graffiti" Ver.

The dancing cat BUTTON, transformed into playground equipment in ruins. The jumbo-sized figure "JAM BUTTON RUINS PLAYGROUND," approximately 600mm tall, now features the "graffiti" Ver. with custom graffiti from DestinyLand. Sculpted by PERFECT-STUDIO. ¥380,666.

—A new collaboration project with Anne Valerie Dupond has been announced. How did this come about?

We were discussing the "but beautiful" collection with Mr. Akashi, with a new piece placed before us. Suddenly, something flashed in his mind. He then said, "I've had a brilliant idea. What if Anne Valerie Dupond created a MAMES piece..." It was a moment of pure creation, something entirely new. I already owned several pieces from the UNDERCOVER and Anne collaboration series, and she was one of my favorite artists. Mr. Akashi contacted Anne, and she viewed MAMES' work.

—What were your impressions of Anne's textile sculptures?

They are sophisticated yet bold and unconventional. And overall, beautiful. My perspective changed before and after seeing them.

—What was your communication like with Anne during the collaboration?

I asked Mr. Akashi to show Anne our MAMES work. Her response was, "They are wonderfully scary and cute, I'd love to!" That's how it began. Afterward, I provided her with three-view drawings, and we didn't discuss the details. We trusted each other's talent implicitly, confident that something wonderful would emerge. When the BUTTON arrived, I was overcome with emotion. I believe it's a miracle for two artists with strong individualities to clash with all their might and arrive at such a magnificent piece. It made me believe in the existence of the muse of art.

—I feel there are strong commonalities between MAMES' "BUTTON" and Anne's work.

Looking back, I think "BUTTON" originated from something within me from childhood. Many of my works are based on dolls from a series called "phantom" that I made as a child. Since I had nothing to play with, I used old clothes and everyday fabrics, filling them with beans or rice to give them weight. I created many companions to play with my lonely self. Among them was a child with button eyes, but others found it creepy and scary. To me, it was cute. I always carried it around. Works are born from such memories, so perhaps there's a connection.

—As MAMES, what does this collaboration mean to you, and how do you see it positioning your career?

Including the meaning of this encounter, it's a turning point for the art I pursue. MAMES, Anne, and MEDICOM TOY are all artists with strong individualities, and this collaboration is a miracle. I believe the key was our shared commitment to pursuing our own definition of beauty and creating new things without being confined by convention.

—What aspects of the finished work would you like to highlight?

This statue is not only an intricate replica of the original size but also a one-of-a-kind art piece handled by MAMES. When I first took it out of the box to paint, it was so divine that I was almost afraid to touch it. MAMES meticulously paints each piece by hand. Anne's work is artistic, possessing a unique power and charm that only one-of-a-kind pieces can offer. We embarked on a new challenge of expressing this by combining Anne's artistry with MAMES' artistry, resulting in a work unlike anything seen before.

—Finally, what are your impressions of MEDICOM TOY, and what do you hope to do in the future?

My impression of MEDICOM TOY is that they possess not only BE@RBRICK but also diverse facets, all of which are first-class and beautiful. It's a place where artists can constantly take on new challenges, a unique object of admiration. I would be delighted if we could continue to create new values that don't yet exist in the world together.

LONELY GIRL and BUTTON "have a good plans."

Size: F6 (W318mm H409mm). ¥389,666 (incl. tax)

LONELY GIRL
"like a jokes nightmare." "Fun alone."

"tiny dream." "l o l ." "scared?"

Size: W200mm H200mm. ¥180,666 each (incl. tax)

trash or castle
Size: F10 (W455mm H530mm). ¥680,666 (incl. tax)

fly gem
Size: F10 (W455mm H530mm). ¥680,666 (incl. tax)

popcorn bucket
Size: F8 (W379mm H455mm). ¥606,600 (incl. tax)

*This is a one-of-a-kind art piece. Colors may vary slightly from the final product as it is still in production.

ARTRASH "RiBahhS" BUTTON [Normal Ver.]

ARTRASH "RiBahhS" BUTTON [MAMES (Custom Basket) Lottery Sale]

To commemorate the solo exhibition at 2G, a "RiBahhS" BUTTON figure is released. Approx. 130mm tall each. [Normal Ver.] ¥13,200 (incl. tax). [MAMES (Custom Basket) Lottery Sale] ¥66,600 (incl. tax).

*This is a one-of-a-kind art piece. Colors may vary slightly from the final product as it is still in production.

FLY GEM SV925 (EDITION20)

Hat pin master TOMOHIRO YAMAMULO brings MAMES' icon to life. This pin features MAMES' icon FLY GEM, made of SV925 with cubic zirconia in both eyes. Master model production: Tomohiro Yamamulo. Approx. 20mm tall. ¥27,500 (incl. tax).

DestinyLand CASTLE logo T-shirt, ART or TRASH T-shirt

Two types of T-shirts featuring MAMES' icon are also released. Sizes: M/L/XL. ¥6,066 each (incl. tax).

DestinyLand TOTE BAG

Size: W490mm H700mm D120mm (handles 300mm). Shoulder strap 1050mm (adjustable). Capacity: 21L. Material: Polyester. ¥8,800 (incl. tax).

*Due to the nature of the material, it may shrink when exposed to heat.
*Disperse dyes are used for dyeing polyester. Heat treatment may cause bleeding. Please handle with care.

©️ MAMES
©️ MAMES/Anne Valerie Dupond

2G
Location | Shibuya PARCO 2F
15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours | 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (subject to change)
*For the latest business hours, please check the official Shibuya PARCO website.
Tel | 03-6452-5003