Art Exhibition Curated by MMA Fighter Kaoru Uno: 'Caol Uno Jiu-Jitsu Gi Art Exhibition' | ART
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October 23, 2020

Art Exhibition Curated by MMA Fighter Kaoru Uno: 'Caol Uno Jiu-Jitsu Gi Art Exhibition' | ART

ART | Caol Uno Jiu-Jitsu Gi Art Exhibition

Remade from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gis using recycled denim. Proposing attractive styles and new value.

An art event curated by mixed martial artist Kaoru Uno, 'Caol Uno
Jiu-Jitsu Gi Art Exhibition,' is currently being held. It features items such as Jiu-Jitsu gis recycled into denim and gis created by artists. The exhibition runs until November 3, 2020 (Tuesday, holiday).

Text by WASEDA Kosaku (OPENERS)

Artworks based on Jiu-Jitsu gis by artists on display

Mixed martial artist Kaoru Uno is entering his 25th year as a professional.

The art event 'Caol Uno Jiu-Jitsu Gi Art Exhibition,' curated by Uno, is currently underway.
Art Event Curated by Mixed Martial Artist Kaoru Uno: 'Caol Uno Jiu-Jitsu Gi Art Exhibition' | ART
Given the current pandemic, and in consideration of the social situation, the event is being held concurrently at the main venue, 'BRICK & MORTAR Nakameguro,' with a special online site and a satellite venue, 'HOLY SHIT' (located in Setagaya Ward).

This event focuses on Jiu-Jitsu gis, specifically the standard Gi, from 'Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.'
Art Event Curated by Mixed Martial Artist Kaoru Uno: 'Caol Uno Jiu-Jitsu Gi Art Exhibition' | ART
Art Event Curated by Mixed Martial Artist Kaoru Uno: 'Caol Uno Jiu-Jitsu Gi Art Exhibition' | ART
Art Event Curated by Mixed Martial Artist Kaoru Uno: 'Caol Uno Jiu-Jitsu Gi Art Exhibition' | ART
At 'BRICK & MORTAR Nakameguro,' Uno discusses the origins of his interest in fashion,
and in collaboration with Levi's®, a denim brand he has loved for years, displays original Jiu-Jitsu gis (not for sale) remade from recycled denim.

The remakes were handled by denim repair master Yasuyuki Sugimoto of OKIDOKI, incorporating Levi's® designs and details.
Art Event Curated by Mixed Martial Artist Kaoru Uno: 'Caol Uno Jiu-Jitsu Gi Art Exhibition' | ART
Art Event Curated by Mixed Martial Artist Kaoru Uno: 'Caol Uno Jiu-Jitsu Gi Art Exhibition' | ART
Also featured are artworks (for sale) based on Jiu-Jitsu gis created by embroidery artist Kumi Kosuge and artist Shu Murakami. Additionally, there is a corner for 'ONEHUNDRED ATHLETIC,' the sports apparel brand directed by Kaoru Uno, offering new products and accepting pre-orders.
Art Event Curated by Mixed Martial Artist Kaoru Uno: 'Caol Uno Jiu-Jitsu Gi Art Exhibition' | ART
Furthermore, for merchandise commemorating the event, a portrait T-shirt of Kaoru Uno drawn by painter Tomoo Gokita has been released. This collaboration, over 20 years after Uno's first title win in professional Shooto in May 1999, was realized with the cooperation of the monthly magazine 'KAMINOGE,' which covers professional wrestling and martial arts.

Additionally, Shu Murakami has transformed a page from Kaoru Uno's career as an athlete into a unique artwork (number of pieces undecided), and a portrait of Kaoru Uno taken by photographer Norbert Ruben has been released as a commemorative frame (using Fujifilm's panel processing service 'WALL DECOR').
Art Event Curated by Mixed Martial Artist Kaoru Uno: 'Caol Uno Jiu-Jitsu Gi Art Exhibition' | ART
Regarding this event, Uno commented, 'Fashion is something I love as much as martial arts. One of the things that sparked this interest was Levi's® denim.

Even now, I love collecting vintage Levi's® denim and have always dreamed of making Jiu-Jitsu gis out of denim, ideally using my favorite Levi's® denim... a wish I've had since my 20s.

I never imagined that I would be able to create Jiu-Jitsu gis using Levi's® denim in this way; it feels like a dream. Many people have kindly cooperated in making these gis. I am truly grateful.

I've realized anew that these denim Jiu-Jitsu gis, with their diverse expressions, could only be achieved with Levi's® denim. I hope this exhibition will spark interest in martial arts like Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. When you are in the area, please come and experience the new expressions and facets of denim that only Levi's® can create.' he stated.

Caol Uno Jiu-Jitsu Gi Art Exhibition

  • Period | Until November 3, 2020 (Tuesday, holiday)

Main Venue: BRICK & MORTAR Nakameguro

  • Address: 1-4-4 Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
  • Business Hours | 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Closed | October 25 (Sunday), November 1 (Sunday) [During event period only]
  • Tel | 03-6303-3300
  • URL |Special EC Site(Special EC Site)

Satellite Venue: HOLY SHIT

  • Address | 1-16-9 Uema, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
  • Business Hours | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Closed | Irregular holidays
  • Tel | 03-6450-9169
  • URL |Judo Gi - Kumi Kosuge Model

Judo Gi - Kumi Kosuge Model

  • Price | ¥55,000 (excl. tax)

Judo Gi - Shu Murakami Model

  • Price | ¥55,000 (excl. tax)

Kaoru Uno Portrait T-shirt - SUNDAY MORNING S/S TEE Illustration by Tomoo Gokita

  • Price | ¥4,500 (excl. tax)
  • Sizes | S, M, L, XL

Shu Murakami Collage Art

  • Price | From ¥15,000 (excl. tax)

Kaoru Uno Portrait Photo - Supported by Fujifilm

  • Price | ¥10,000 (excl. tax)

PORTER x 100A LIGHTWEIGHT DAY BAG

  • Price | ¥21,000 (excl. tax)

100A INSULATION JACKET

  • Price | ¥40,000

100A BJJ BELT

  • Colors | White, Blue, Purple, Brown
  • Price | ¥5,000 (excl. tax)
Inquiries

Caol Uno Jiu-Jitsu Gi Art Exhibition
https://caol-uno-exhibition.stores.jp/

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