“The Art of Mixing” Exhibition Opens at Homegrown Ipanema

By Chesney Hearst, Senior Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Combining the visual styles of Japan and Brazil, “The Art of Mixing” exhibition will open in Galeria Homegrown Ipanema on August 4th and remain on display through August 31st. The exhibition celebrates the global launch of the Japanese sports brand, Onitsuka Tiger’s “The Art of Mixing” campaign which features a collection of footwear and shirts designed by four artist ambassadors.

Chosen by the brand, the ambassadors are Japanese artist turned Brazilian resident Atsuo Nakagawa, São Paulo painter Felipe Suzuki, São Paulo visual artist Hamilton Yokota, better known as Titi Freak, and Luísa Matsushita, as known as Lovefoxxx, the lead singer of Brazilian indie band Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS).

“When I returned to Brazil in 2013, I brought with me one triptych that was done in Osaka; saved; and had never been exhibited,” Titi Freak said in a released statement. “The invitation from Onitsuka Tiger to create footwear brought that work that I had done to my mind because it was also my experience of a transition between the two cultures.”

Adding, “Brazil and Japan both in reality and art have natural connections. They both can have a tropical air as well as be somewhat mysterious. The ideas of nature and urban environments are also present in the footwear collection as they are in our cultures.”

The connection between Brazil and Japan is strengthened by over one hundred years of Japanese immigration to Brazil which created hundreds of thousands of Japanese Brazilians.

The four artists’ works, in various formats, will be on display as part of the exhibition. While in the Homegrown store, which houses the gallery, four models of shoes designed by the artists through the collaboration will be on sale .

The models, Califórnia 78, Colorado Eighty-Five, Lawnship and Mexico Delegation will be priced from R$549.90 to R$649.90. Additionally, the unisex shirts from the collection will be available for purchase for R$99.90.

In addition to a line of footwear and shirts, the “The Art of Mixing” campaign features videos and photos of the development of the products and the collaborative process between the artists.

“Onitsuka Tiger is a Japanese brand creating a worldwide campaign that has Brazil as its focal point, like the eyes of the world that will be on the country in August,” Eduardo Rodrigues, marketing manager of Onitsuka Tiger, said in a released statement.

The Galeria Homegrown Ipanema opened in 2006 has become well known for hosting exhibitions by Brazilian and international artists ranging from street artists to illustrators to photographers to designers to tattoo artists.

“The Art of Mixing” Exhibition will follow Rio de Janeiro graphic designer, painter,and graffiti artist, Bruno Big’s “Tudo é Movimento” (All is Movement) exhibition, which will remain on display through July 30th.

For more information about see the Galeria Homegrown Ipanema Facebook page.

What: “The Art of Mixing” Exhibition
When: August 4th – 31st, Mondays through Fridays 10AM to 8PM and Saturdays and holidays from 10AM to 6PM.
Where: Galeria Homegrown Ipanema, Rua Maria Quitéria, 68 – Ipanema
Entrance: FREE