“Return to Your Roots”

Joe Foti, beloved by Chrome Hearts fans for his unique characters, is responsible for the designs of “FOTI by CHROME HEARTS.” His previous art exhibition, themed “HERE COMES MR.OCULUS,” was held at CHROME HEARTS TOKYO and CHROME HEARTS OSAKA. This time, the exhibition at CHROME HEARTS GINZA is themed “THE ADVENTURES FROM BEAVER CREEK Pt.1.”

While exploring the theme and inspiration for this solo exhibition, Foti recalled the phrase “Return to Your Roots” and visited Bristol, located on the border of Tennessee and Virginia, where he spent his childhood.

During his research in Bristol, he met town historian V.N. Budd Phillips. After reading Phillips's book and meeting him in person, Foti realized, “Bristol is a town that offers perfect inspiration for my art.”

Bristol, Filled with Intriguing History and People—The works in this exhibition weave together Foti's memories from his childhood in the 1960s and 70s, the Bristol train station—a focal point of Civil War history—and numerous astonishing stories he learned from Phillips.

“Reflecting on Small American Towns”

“The Beaver Creek featured in my work is a stream that flows through Bristol, where I used to play as a child. The railroad tracks and the fences from the Civil War era are characteristic of some of my pieces. During my recent visit, I noticed that the beautiful fences that remained in my memory had been replaced with plastic ones,” Foti shared.

He further commented, “The essence of small American towns is fading away, one by one. Through this exhibition, I want to reminisce about the small American towns of my memory and celebrate their splendor.”

This exhibition is positioned as the first chapter of a three-part series of works that Foti is planning, raising anticipation for its content.

CHROME HEARTS GINZA "JOE FOTI Exhibition"
Exhibition Period | Friday, November 1st – Saturday, November 30th, 2013
Venue | CHROME HEARTS GINZA
5-4-9 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 7F (Exhibition space on the 7th floor)
Tel. 03-6252-3681
Gallery Hours (Exhibition space 7F) | 12:00 – 18:00
Admission | Free
http://www.joefoti.com/
http://www.handhorseman.blogspot.jp/

JOE FOTI
Born in Queens, New York, in 1962, Foti spent his childhood in Tennessee. He joined Chrome Hearts as Art Director and Chief Scientist in 1990. From 1998 to 2003, he lived and worked in Japan. In 2003, he debuted “FOTI by CHROME HEARTS.”


http://www.chromehearts.com
http://www.united-arrows.co.jp/ch/