Mark your calendars for November 7-10, as ‘Art Week Tokyo (AWT)’ invites art enthusiasts to embark on a journey of creativity across 53 participating museums and galleries. With a free shuttle bus, the ‘AWT BUS,’ running every 15 minutes, this event evokes the nostalgic charm of school field trips while making art accessible to all.
In this exciting series, we team up with special guests to uncover the treasures of ‘AWT.’ This installment features TaiTan, the dynamic rapper from Dos Monos and an innovative creative director. Known for his thought-provoking podcast ‘Kiki Kaikai’ with musician Shukei Tamaoki and his engaging presence on TBS Radio’s ‘Nōtō,’ TaiTan embodies a whirlwind of inspiration.
With a philosophy of exploring every intriguing artist, regardless of exhibition size, TaiTan recently visited the ‘SIDE CORE Exhibition: Concrete Planet’ at the Watarium Art Museum. To our delight, members of SIDE CORE made a surprise appearance, enriching the experience with insights straight from the artists. Join us as we dive into TaiTan’s journey through art and discover how it fuels his own creative spirit.
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How an Encounter with Banksy Ignited Taitan’s Passion for Contemporary Art
What was your introduction to art?
TaiTan: I can’t pinpoint a specific moment that sparked my interest, but from a young age, I’ve always had access to movies, music, television, and theater, which fueled my passion for pop culture and creativity. Growing up in the internet era, I became accustomed to the diverse mix of cultures—such as domestic and international anime, videos, and classical music—coexisting on platforms like YouTube, where different timelines and contexts blend seamlessly. Information has always been readily available to me, making it easy to explore various influences.
A dynamic rapper from Dos Monos, TaiTan seamlessly blends his musical talent with a visionary approach as a creative director. He’s the mastermind behind innovative projects like the ¥0 magazine magazineⅱ, the unique TV Tokyo program Gai, which takes over the station’s dead air, and the intriguing shop Tō, where silence is key to ‘stealing’ products. Additionally, TaiTan brings his engaging personality to the podcast Kiki Kaikai and TBS Radio’s Nōtō, captivating audiences with his insights and creativity.
TaiTan: I remember being drawn to Banksy and his presence in the art scene when he emerged in the 2000s while I was in middle school. At the time, I didn’t fully understand it in words, but I think Banksy’s arrival marked the beginning of a noticeable trend in art activism, where art started to intervene in social and environmental issues. It broadened my perception of what art could be.
The SIDE CORE exhibition you viewed today also revolves around the theme of “expanding expressions in urban spaces,” with the art team engaging in various actions in public spaces and on the streets. Were you already familiar with their work?
TaiTan: I’ve been interested in SIDE CORE for a while. I’m not the type who makes visiting museums or galleries a hobby, but if there’s an artist that catches my interest, I’ll go anywhere, regardless of the scale of the exhibition or the number of artworks. One of my reasons for visiting the ‘Contemporary Japanese Art: The Ryuutarou Takahashi Collection’ exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo was to see SIDE CORE’s past works.
Note: The exhibition runs from August 3 (Saturday) to November 10 (Sunday), 2024, featuring representative works from 115 artists, capturing the essence of contemporary Japan as seen through the eyes of psychiatrist Ryuutarou Takahashi, rich with a critical spirit toward the times.
TaiTan: At the art hotel BnA_WALL in Nihonbashi, there’s a suite designed by SIDE CORE, and I’ve had the experience of staying there. The room features exposed concrete in places, and the floor is laid with intricate tiles that were crafted by 3D scanning and cutting surfaces from Tokyo’s streets and walls. It’s a room that feels quite noisy and intriguing, far removed from the typical hotel image. This was my second time visiting, and I’m glad I was able to take my time to really appreciate it.
