Lounge
March 5, 2015
INTERVIEW | Graffiti Artist André Saraiva: An Interview (Part 1)
A Graffiti Artist Who Loves TOKYO
André Saraiva Interview (Part 1)
André Saraiva, the globally renowned graffiti artist behind the graffiti art "Mr. A," which has been featured at Colette in Paris, and also the founder of the club "Le Baron de Paris" in Aoyama, Tokyo, recently visited Japan as the curator for "G-Star Tokyo RAW Nights."
At the party, under the theme "Tagged in Tokyo," he freely marked denim, walls, and even people with pens and spray paint. Furthermore, Sora Aoi appeared as a model for live body painting, creating a night of art born from an unusual combination.
We asked him, a great Tokyo enthusiast, about the inspiration behind opening "Le Baron," graffiti, and his relationship with the brand "G-STAR RAW."
By Hitoshi Kaneko
The Beginning of "Le Baron de Paris"
—Could you tell us what inspired you to open "Le Baron" in Paris?
In the early 2000s, Paris was experiencing a decline in clubbing and underground culture. There were hardly any clubs playing good music where we could hang out with friends— Then, there was a club run by someone, but it was a brothel, and that person got arrested.
Since it was a venue of just the right size, we bought the space from that person and turned it into a club. That's how "Le Baron" began. Then, we started throwing interesting parties, inviting Daft Punk and our DJ friends.
—Why did you decide to open a venue in Tokyo?
I really love Tokyo.
I love Tokyo's nightlife and clubs, and I used to visit often. My friends also love Tokyo and came here quite a bit. So, we started talking about wanting a place where we could do "something that feels like us."
Marc Newson is also a very close friend, and we had talked with him about "it would be great to have a club where we could do something like that!" So, we found the current location and decided to do it together.
Essentially, we started it in Tokyo in a similar way to how we started "Le Baron" in Paris.
"G-Star Tokyo RAW Nights"
—The interior of Le Baron gives the impression of a secret club from the 70s or 80s.
Exactly! After discussing it with Marc, we aimed for a hidden-gem kind of club feel, reminiscent of the slightly risqué, so-called strip clubs of the late 70s and 80s.
"Le Baron" in Paris also had that original design, and we created something similar for Tokyo.
—What kind of city is Tokyo to you?
It's a very comfortable city. It's modern, creative, and diverse in terms of fashion and food. Also, people here have a tendency to pursue what they love with great dedication. For example, if someone loves bicycles, they'll delve deeply into everything about bicycles. I find that kind of dedication appealing.
I feel a strong sense of resonance with Japanese people, and they always show great interest and positive reactions to my graffiti work. Because of that, I believe we've built a very good relationship.
—By the way, are there any Japanese foods you particularly like?
I like all Japanese food because it's delicious.
"G-Star Tokyo RAW Nights"
—How was your performance at this "RAW Nights"?
I was painting directly on the skin of the women, and it was soft... which I found delightful (laughs).
—What has your relationship with the brand "G-STAR RAW" been like until now?
Our relationship became close recently, around the time I was asked to be the curator for this "RAW Nights." However, since my good friend Marc Newson has collaborated on designs, I've met the owners before—
Also, a friend of mine is involved in organizing "RAW Nights," and through that connection, I ended up becoming the curator this time.
André Saraiva Interview (Part 2)To be continued
What is "G-Star Tokyo RAW Nights"?
In 2008, denim specialists "G-STAR RAW" launched "RAW Nights," a series of regular club events hosted by artists active in various fields in major cities around the world.
This event was held seven times last year at the Aoyama lounge "Le Baron de Paris," featuring curators such as photographer Hiromix, the legendary band Duran Duran, fashion director Tomoki Tsushima, industrial designer Marc Newson, actor Tadanobu Asano, and other artists.
G-Star International
Tel. 03-3470-9881
www.g-star.com