ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: RK
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
R̸K̸
We're so proud to have you with us on DARKNET blog! Your vision in your photographs are captivating, they hook you in at first glance and truly hold your attention
We know you're based in Tokyo! Can you please tell us a little more about yourself?
I am a Tokyo based photographer and DJ, born in 1982, and raised in Ibaraki Prefecture.
I played baseball for Kokugakuin Tochigi Senior High School baseball club. Later studying at Bunka Fashion College, I also began to learn DJing at some legendary clubs in Tokyo Roppongi. For some reason, I got a graphic designer job at an adult movie production company after that. As a DJ, I have released three mixtapes.
In 2013, I joined the Tokyo urban running crew “AFE TOKYO” to lose weight. This prompted me to begin taking and editing photos. My photography of street scenes, portraits, and other themes began gaining media attention in 2014, both locally in Japan and internationally. The attention led to my work being selected as a “suggested user” from the Instagram official account.
In 2017, my event was held at the Apple store Ginza by the invitation of Apple officials. Beginning in April 2018, I've fully transitioned into a freelance photographer, providing my services to many well-known clients in the fashion industry.
In the mainstream of my Instagram, there are many buzz feeds in the genre of my signature photography style "DENSE", such as "Grandpa of Akihabara Electric Town", "Dense Collection of Taipei Bridge", "Layer of Mt Fuji"...
About "Layer of Mt Fuji", it's a photograph of Mt. Fuji view taken from the Fujiyoshida shopping arcade, it was featured by the Instagram account in 2019 and won a new record of 3 millions "Likes". It was a great opportunity for me to be known.
Now I'm focusing on fashion photography, watches, sneakers, and advertisements, as well as direct invitation from many celebrities such as Takashi Murakami, Naomi Campbell, TYGA, etc..
【EXHIBITION】
2020
・NEORIENT (Solo) at DIESEL ART GALLERY
2019
･ TERG ARTIST PROJECT 2019 in Nakameguro
･ VISA KOREA × RK AR exhibition at Seoul lotte tower
･ TERG ARTIST PROJECT 2019 in Seoul
･ THE DISORDER CITY in TAIPEI
2018
･ the DENSE EXHIBITION at The Stall Nakameguro
2017
･ Apple Store Ginza Photo Lab
･ TOKYO ART CITY by NAKED
･ #FR2 HADES PHOTO EXHIBITION
2015
･ Exhibition at eN ROUTE at Futagotamagawa
2014
･ Exhibition at eN ROUTE Ginza
【Award】
・COLORFUL GUIZHOU 2019-12th PHOTO CHINA ORIGINAL INTERNATIONAl PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION Organizing Committee Recommended Award
How long have you been doing photography? What made you realize you were so passionate about
photography that you wanted to dedicate yourself to it? What picture of yours is your favorite?
It's the 7th year since I started taking photos. (Including my iPhone photographer era)
I want to focus on photography because it's the most addictive thing.
My favorite picture of my works is this one:
Color schemes and color corrections add so much depth to your pictures. It lets us imagine more that's not in the frame and also in motion. Please tell us about your artistic journey, how did you start and how did you develop your style?
As I said: I started photography, because the founder of my running team "AFE TOKYO" asked me to take pictures for our team members while running.
About my photography style, I don't like tacky things and bad taste. So as long as I paid attention to this, I naturally achieved my own style.
Tell us about your favorite projects you've worked on and your favorite places you've visited and why? :)
My favorite project is working with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.
And China is my favorite place to visit because they have unique architecture and culture, it's interesting.
How often do you collaborate with other artists? Who would stand out the most for you?
I've taken portrait photos of artist Takashi Murakami, the rapper Tyga, legendary model Campbell Naomi... They all stand out the most for me.
What artists inspire your work?
No one.
Where do you see yourself at the pinnacle of your career? What would be your ultimate dream come true involving your artwork?
Today, the photographer can't only focus on photography, so I hope to expand my field and collaborate with music and fashion culture.
Do you still shoot most of your photography on an iPhone? What influenced this decision for you? Do you prefer iPhone or DSLR cameras?
Actually, I use DSLR currently.
I used to shoot with an iPhone in the old days, that's because the DSLR was too heavy to carry. (Like I said: The reason for me becoming a photographer is the founder of my running team "AFE TOKYO" ask me to take pictures for our team members while running.)
After a while, I saw the limit of the phone camera, so I changed to a DSLR.
You DJ as well, how important is music when it comes to your creative process? What is your favorite music to DJ? To listen to while you create?
Music is as important as my life. It can cheer me up while I create. As a DJ and creator, I love JAZZ, HOUSE, TRAP... all kinds of music.
What would you tell to passionate up and coming photographers who want to pursue their art?
Don't imitate others' works.
I think the real passionate up photographers won't do this.
RK's solo photo exhibition "NEOrient" at Diesel Art Gallery Tokyo, has launched a 3D online virtual exhibition. People who cannot come to the scene, can also join in below!
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