Keiji Takamatsu
Keiji Takamatsu has created title drawings for TV programs, many magazine covers, and the cover of the book "Detective Poirot Series" (Kodansha).
In 2008, his solo exhibition "Paper Woman" Paper Crafts was held in Paris, France, attracting much attention.
In 2014, he was in charge of the poster and main visual for "CINEMA LOUNGE 100" held in Nishi-Azabu, Tokyo, and in 2019, he was in charge of the main visual for "JAPAN CUTS HOLLYWOOD," a new Japanese film festival held in California, where his LGBTQ samurai paintings attracted.
He was selected as a collaborating illustrator for the movie "Revolver Lily" in 2023. He is the author of "Cinema Closet" and "The Movie Merry-Go-Round".
The paper crafts created by Keiji Takamatsu are works that cleverly produce "light and shadow".
He has thought through the way shadows appear when light hits them, and has created a beautiful overall form, from the background and patterns to the coloring, so that the figures have depth.
The works have multiple facial expressions that change depending on how the light hits them, making them look as if they are smiling or whispering, creating women who seem to be living in a 2.5-dimensional world.
In particular, we are captivated by the glossy, supple movements of the fingertips, which are unique to women.
The delicate eyelashes and hair, as well as the moist eyes and lips, create a wide variety of expressions.
About the "Haneda Five Girls" Kiryu Silk Original Bag
The kimono is delicately unraveled and returned to its original state as a single beautiful piece of cloth, which is then made into a bag.
The front, lining, and handles are all made of silk with braided cords.
This is a one-of-a-kind product that utilizes traditional Japanese techniques such as yuzen, gilding, and embroidery.
The paper used in the work is a representative Japanese domestic paper with a history of over 60 years. The texture is transferred to the surface of the paper by using a special felt (blanket) with a woven pattern during the papermaking process.
The town of Nagaizumi-cho, Shizuoka Prefecture, where this paper is made, is located in the eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture and is rich in a beautiful natural environment with a mild climate. The town is popular for its abundant groundwater and is located within a short distance from Tokyo.
The texture of the paper produced by the climate and techniques of the town gives an even more beautiful melancholy to the works created by Keiji Takamatsu, creating a variety of facial expressions of the figures.