Introducing "ARTNWORDZ," an exhibitor at the October 2019 show
PLUG IN│Editorial Office
UPLOADED 19 OCTOBER, 2019
"ARTNWORDZ," an art brand out of Los Angeles, is generating buzz in Japan too. Beyond graphic works hand-drawn by two artists, the brand has expanded into apparel, cushions, and more, spreading its artistic world through pop-up stores across the country.
The brand was founded in February 2014 by Misha Kuschenreuter of Berlin, Germany, and Grant Rosen, a Broadway performer from Los Angeles. Using vintage paper such as old dictionaries, maps, and sheet music as canvas, they create wall art that draws out the paper's texture while adding pop illustrations on top.
An art piece using an old dictionary as canvas
Each piece hand-draws an animal, plant, person, or building tied to one of the two words at the top of the dictionary page, giving the work story and background that lend it an artistic feel. The approach of layering a pop illustration's message over the one-of-a-kind character of an old book creates a sense of art. Some works are over a meter across, and every piece carries a signature and numbering, making it a limited item. In the US, the works are displayed in galleries and children's hospitals.
The paper art is priced accessibly at ¥3,600 per sheet. All pieces use vintage paper, and while the hand-drawn originals are expensive, the printed versions are priced so that anyone can enjoy them. Other items include unisex tube socks marketed as "wearable art" (¥1,900), gauze handkerchiefs (¥1,200), and tote bags (¥6,300).
In the Japanese market, the brand has prioritized limited-time shops in department stores and commercial facilities to raise brand awareness. In prime urban locations, it has posted results such as selling 60 pairs of socks on a single weekday. Director Atsuko Owashi says the brand aims to "deepen the accessible art market close to everyday life."
Company Information
Imported and distributed by: Tokyo Eagle Co., Ltd.
TEL: 03-3792-7515