Jan 2021, Unique Edition
Mix media plush and plexiglass
31 1/2 in diameter – 80 cm diameter
The artwork is dated, numbered and signed on a metal label sticked under the artwork’s base
serie “Pokémon Whispers on the Wall : Kawaii Plexiglass Chronicles”
In the realm of contemporary Japanese neo-pop art, Saori Nakamishi, a member of the avant-garde Studio CrazyNoodles, has crafted a unique and mesmerizing piece titled “Pink Melody & Shadow Play: Echoes of Kawaii in Plexi-Verse.” This round artwork, a part of the series “Pokémon Whispers on the Wall: Kawaii Plexiglass Chronicles,” is a captivating fusion of playful nostalgia and modern artistic expression.
At the heart of this creation are three iconic Pokémon plushes: Jigglypuff, Igglybuff, and Gengar. These characters, each with their distinct charm and personality, are carefully placed inside a circular frame, symbolizing the never-ending cycle of joy and wonder that these cultural icons bring. Jigglypuff and Igglybuff, with their round, soft shapes and soothing pink hues, embody the essence of kawaii – the culture of cuteness that has become a global phenomenon. In stark contrast, Gengar, with its mischievous grin and shadowy form, adds an element of playful mystery to the piece, representing the other side of kawaii – the delight in the slightly eerie and fantastical.
Surrounding these plushes are phrases in bold red and white Plexiglass letters, each sentence a whimsical expression of Nakamishi’s artistic voice and personality. “Saori is a pink punk,” challenges traditional notions of femininity and art, blending softness with an edge. “Only Chu can judge me” and “PIKA PINKA PIKACHU PIKA” playfully reference the Pokémon universe, drawing in fans with their clever wordplay. “Love them all ” and “Keep calm X love Chu ” are affirmations of love and calm, reflective of the artist’s philosophy of embracing all aspects of life with a heart full of love and peace.
These sentences, along with the kawaii Plexiglass characters that adorn the piece, create a visual and textual collage that is both whimsical and thought-provoking. They invite the viewer to delve into a world where the boundaries between art, pop culture, and personal expression are blurred, where one can find joy and meaning in the playful and the profound.
“Pink Melody & Shadow Play: Echoes of Kawaii in Plexi-Verse” is not just an artwork; it’s a narrative, a slice of Saori Nakamishi’s vibrant world. It tells a story of embracing one’s uniqueness, celebrating the whimsical, and finding harmony between contrasting elements. This artwork is a testament to Nakamishi’s skill in capturing the essence of contemporary culture while conveying messages of joy, acceptance, and the enduring power of kawaii.
In this piece, Nakamishi showcases her mastery in creating a space where fantasy and reality coalesce, where viewers are invited to reconnect with their childhood memories while appreciating the artistry and creativity of the present. It stands as a vibrant example of the playful, imaginative spirit that defines the neo-pop art movement.