The vibrant, optimistic work of Japanese artist and doll-maker Kazumi Akao arrives in London this month, as the UK's first Gumi Chan exhibition opens at Paul Smith, No. 9 Albemarle Street.
Working alongside production and scene designer Nobuhiko Yoshimitsu, Kazumi Akao brings to life 1960's suburban Japan with her meticulously constructed miniature characters and street scenes. In the piece, entitled 'Gumi Chan', every figurine, shop front and vehicle has been expertly crafted from hand by the artists in Japan, from the large fire tower, down to the tiny fruit and vegetables in the market store.
Kazumi began her career as a doll-maker in 1990 after deciding that she wanted to create something solid and three-dimensional to represent the modern jazz era of the 1950's and 60's. Since 2003 Kazumi has been using her own childhood as inspiration for her Gumi Chan creations, presenting Japanese suburbia in 1961. Coming through a long economic depression and still suffering from the effects of the natural disaster of 2011, Kazumi feels that Japanese people have lost their habitual happy spirit. The Japan of 1961 was a place of hope, it was a time of optimism, with the economy undergoing huge growth and people beginning to dream of creating a better society. Everyone helped one another, and shared a common bond. Kazumi dreams of recreating this happy time of neighbourliness and co-operation.
After meeting in London, Paul was struck by Kazumi's craft and positivity and offered to exhibit the artist's work. When he told the artists stories of his first visit to Japan, they were inspired to incorporate a Paul Smith shop into the Gumi Chan scene. The work is now on view now at Paul Smith, No. 9 Albemarle Street.
27th January 2014 – 27th February 2014
Paul Smith No. 9 Albemarle Street
9 Albemarle Street
London
W1S 4BL
Tel: +44 (0)20 7493 4565
