DESIGN /
PRODUCT
May 23, 2020
Photographer Tairo Hirano and Ken Abe's self-produced photo T-shirt series | grosso
grosso
Photographs Printed and Shipped by the Photographer: Made-to-Order T-Shirts
Photographers Tairo Hirano and Ken Abe have launched grosso, a self-produced photo T-shirt project. They are printing their own selected photographs from their past photobooks and zines onto T-shirts.
Text by WAKABAYASHI Satsuki
We turn our attention to grosso, the photo T-shirt series produced by photographers Tairo Hirano and Ken Abe. This project, launched by the two artists during their time of self-restraint, is a precious endeavor as it is entirely made-to-order. They typically work in photobooks, magazines, and advertising.
Mr. Hirano selects each image from his past photobooks, treating it like a novelty item for his own publications. Additionally, with travel being difficult at the moment, he chose photographs from a cross-country American road trip, evoking a sense of wanderlust.
Meanwhile, Mr. Abe reconsidered what makes a wearable photo T-shirt, opting for designs with a touch of artistic flair and prioritizing the comfort of the garment itself. They have established their own web shops on their respective websites for sales and handle everything from printing to shipping themselves.
Their approach, infused with the DIY spirit, is clearly inspired by skateboarding and indie culture. Furthermore, the descriptive texts accompanying each T-shirt are noteworthy. Written in their own words, they read like personal essays, allowing the reader to imagine the stories behind the photographs.
Beyond being just a brand, 'grosso' functions more like a platform, and anticipation is high for its future developments.
grosso Photo T-shirts
Sizes | Check each web shop
Materials | Check each web shop
Price | ¥4,400–¥4,730 each (incl. tax, excl. shipping)
*As these are made-to-order, orders will be accepted until May 31, 2020, for Mr. Hirano, and until June 7, 2020, for Mr. Abe.
