What message can be conveyed using kimonos I made myself?

Displayed prominently is a massive frame, three meters tall and 1.5 meters wide. Takahashi herself determined the dimensions to fit the gallery space. The framer, printer, and acrylic fabricator all described it as "the largest we've ever handled" for the frame that encloses her, fully dressed.

—Why did you choose gallery ROCKET?

I've known about ROCKET for a while. It's a gallery run by Yasushi Fujimoto of the design collective CAP. I really wanted to do something here, and Fujimoto-san also said, "Please do!" So, I decided to take on this new challenge.

—What does the theme "transform" signify?

I've exhibited kimonos I've made myself up until now, but from now on, I want to use kimonos as props and pursue activities that convey new messages.
The medium is photography, but I thought that by showing my own way of wearing a kimono, people might see kimonos from a different perspective.

—So, it's about the process of dressing?

Yes. When people talk about kimonos, it's usually about the finished look after dressing. But the parts that are actually considered troublesome are important. I have my own way of doing things, and perhaps kimono teachers or enthusiasts might consider my method unconventional.
By showing this process, I hope people will become aware of the many assumptions and fixed ideas that exist in the world.

—It's truly a case of self-direction, isn't it?

There are things that simply cannot be conveyed through products alone.
I want people to see another real aspect of kimonos, and I also hope to feel something from everyone's reactions to develop my next new world.

Takahashi Hiroko Exhibition "transform"
On view until June 16 (Tue)
12:00–19:30, Open daily during the exhibition, Admission free
ROCKET
6-9-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3499-1003
http://www.rocket-jp.com/