紀陽銀行 presents UNKNOWN ASIA 2024

JUDGES

We are pleased to announce the judges and reviewers of this year's UNKNOWN ASIA. Specialists who are active in the forefront of art and creative industry come to this art fair this year from inside and outside of the country. The judges will vote for the Grand Prix. In addition, each judge will prepare personal prizes and supplementary prizes and will support the winners.

  • Takeshi Ishikawa

    UNKNOWN ASIA Executive Committee / Skeleton Crew Studio / Shibuya Asobaba Production Committee Producer

    PROFILE

    Born in Osaka in 1977, he was involved in department and school management, new department establishment, student guidance, and industry-university collaboration as a faculty member at Osaka Designer College from 1999 to 2017. from 2015, he was a board member of the UNKNOWNASIA Executive Committee to launch the art fair. from 2017, he joined Inc. Joined SkeletonCrewStudio and involved in the development of VR/AR, etc. Member of the management of indie game event BitSummit. Creative coordinator for government facilities and event planning (Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto). He has experience in game events, art events, and in charge, production, and operation of FOOD areas in events. In the summer of 2024, he will produce and operate a creator support facility called 404 Not Found at Shibuya Sakura Stage in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo.

  • COMMENT

    Let's play together!

    AWARD

    My extra prize will be to collaborate on active creative work, and to plan at 404 Not Found at Shibuya Sakura Stage.

  • Noboru TSUBAKI

    KYOTO UNIVERSITY OF ARTS Professor

    PROFILE

    Contemporary artist/ Professor at Kyoto University of Arts and Visiting Professor of Oil Painting at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music
    MFA Kyoto City University of Arts
    Active on the world stage, including participation in the exhibition "Against Nature" in the U.S., for which he named the title himself in 1989, he conceived and became director of the Tatezoin Zen painting project in 2011 and "Artist's Fair Kyoto" in 2018. He is working on building an independent market for art. Currently, as the representative of ”Artotheque”, a commercial gallery affiliated with the graduate school, he leads the management of corporate collections for Universal Music headquarters, OCA TOKYO, DMGMORI, etc.And Involved in Hankyu Art Fair 2024 and the launch of ELLE's online art section.

  • COMMENT

    I am always looking for unique and diverse forms of expression that are not bound by market, style, vested interests or inflated egos.

    AWARD

    Support for connections to Japanese contemporary art networks.

  • Kayoko Isogaya

    Culture Convenience Club Co.,Ltd.　CCC ART LAB Director/Curator

    PROFILE

    2006: Completed Diploma at University of the Arts London, LCC
    2018: Member of the "Ghost" exhibition at the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Media Arts Festival Kyoto Exhibition
    2018-2021: Director of KYOTO STEAM - World Cultural Exchange Festival
    2021: Judge at the Kyoto Prefectural-sponsored KYOTO ART LOUNGE
    2022: Brain Eno Ambient Kyoto project planning and production
    2022-23: Judge for the Kyoto Prefectural-sponsored "Special Arts Festival" and "Disability Week" awareness poster competition
    2023: Director of the Ambient Kyoto 2023 Executive Committee
    2023-24: Planning Director for Might be Classics
    2024: Judge for the "Geidai Art Plaza Art Award" Digital Art Division

  • Masahiko Murakami

    Skeleton Crew Studio, Inc. CEO

    PROFILE

    Born in Shiga in 1980. After graduating from a design school in Japan, moved to the United States. Graduated from an art university in San Francisco and entered the entertainment industry. Returned to Japan in 2009 and joined a game development company in Kyoto as an artist. After serving as a producer and a subsidiary representative, established his own company, SkeletonCrewStudio Inc., in 2016. Centering on game development technology, he is taking on new challenges in various fields such as urban development, event production, and creator support while developing content for VR/AR.

  • COMMENT

    In an era where new technologies constantly emerge and diverse values and global perspectives are questioned, artists who create visually and sensorially moving works continue to inspire.

    In this time where new things are born and fade away quickly, the importance and potential of those who refine their skills and individuality are immeasurable.

    I am honored to participate as a judge at UNKNOWN ASIA, where I can meet such talented individuals. I look forward to speaking with you at the venue.

    AWARD

    Offers opportunities for exhibitions and collaborations through my produced projects and facilities, such as:

    - Solo exhibitions at a gallery in Kyoto
    - Participation in events held at an event space in front of Shibuya Station
    - Opportunities to contribute to game titles
    - Collaborations with sake breweries
    etc.

  • ODA EMIRI

    404 Not Found / Chocolate and Marshmallow LLC General Manager of 404 Not Found / Representative of Chocolate and Marshmallow LLC

    PROFILE

    She joined TV Asahi in 1999. After being in charge of program promotion, IP business, video distribution business, and owned media management, she was engaged in the planning and executing new fields. She served as a producer of “Ars-kun to Tekune-chan”, a program introducing contemporary artists, planning and producing virtual exhibitions, and realizing overseas distribution on Netflix.
    > She also produced a YouTube program, “Favorite Star,” with Tokyo University of the Arts and served as the general producer of “ARTBAY TOKYO Art Festival 2023” in the Rinkai Fukutoshin area in September 2023, leading about 25 art projects to realization. She is also familiar with XR and subcultures and has connections with contemporary artists and net-culture creators. She left TV Asahi at the end of June and became the general manager of 404 Not Found, a facility for supporting creators at Shibuya Sakura Stage on July 1.

  • COMMENT

    I look forward to encountering new Asian talent.

    AWARD

    I will consider publishing an interview with the awarded artist in the media of 404 Not Found.

  • Hiro Sugiyama

    Enlightenment ARTIST / ARTDIRECTOR

    PROFILE

    Hiro Sugiyama
    Born in Tokyo, Japan
    Studied under Teruhiko Yumura, then became a freelance artist.
    In 1987, founded the Neo Art Group with Ichiro Tanida.
    In 1997, established Enlightenment.
    In addition to holding many solo exhibitions, he has also organized and curated many exhibitions in recent years.

  • COMMENT

    Show me something I've never seen before

  • anothermountainman (Stanley Wong)

    84000 Communications Limited founder / creative director

    PROFILE

    anothermountainman (stanley wong)
    Born in 1960, Stanley Wong ping-pui, better known as anothermountainman on the art scene. He is a renowned designer and contemporary artist.

    Following five years as a graphic designer, Wong began his career in the advertising industry, working as Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director for many international advertising agencies. Fifteen years later, with his passion and enthusiasm for creative visuals, Wong became a film director for television commercials and established 84000 Communications in 2007, branching out his creative career.

    Wong is also passionate in photography and various creative mediums with strong focus on social issues. Over the past two decades, Wong gained international awareness with his ‘red, white and blue’ series that promotes the ‘positive spirit of Hong Kong’, which he presented at the 51st Venice Biennale in 2005 representing Hong Kong.

    Along his career, Wong received over 600 local, Asian and international awards for his art, design, photography and advertising works, including 2 One Show gold awards from U.S., D&AD yellow pencil from UK and Tokyo TDC award. Many of his works have been exhibited in local and overseas galleries and museums in more than 150 shows, including a solo show in Tokyo Ginza Graphic Gallery (ggg) in 2015. Collectors of his works include Hong Kong M+ Museum, Hong KOng Museum of Art and London V&A Museum.

    In May 2012, Wong was named the Artist of the Year 2011 (Visual Arts) in Hong Kong Arts Development Awards, and received the Hong Kong Contemporary Art Awards 2012 from Hong Kong Museum of Art. In 2020, he was named DFA World’s Outstanding Chinese Designer.

    Wong has curated a number of art/design/photography exhibitions, including "Dialogue with Nature" held at the Hong Kong House at the Echigo-Tsumuyo Art Triennale in Tsunan, Japan in 2022, "Time will time" held at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in 2019 , co-curated the exhibition "Very Hong Kong, Very Hong Kong" with Mr. Alan Chan at the Hong Kong City Hall in 2017, the "to see : to be seen" photography group exhibition held at the Hong Kong Art Center in 2012, and the 2011 art and design group exhibition at the China Shenzhen OCT Gallery and the Hong Kong Artistree "What's Next 30X30 Creative Exhibition" and the "Building Hong Kong redwhiteblue" art and design group exhibition at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in 2004.

  • Subaru Matsukura

    Nue inc CEO / Creative Director / Planner

    PROFILE

    Born in Furano, Hokkaido in 1983. He graduated from Ritsumeikan University, Department of Industrial Sociology. After working in production companies in Tokyo and Kyoto, he established " Ovale Inc." at the end of 2011 and " Nue Inc." as CEO in July 2017. He has received numerous domestic and international design and advertising awards for his communication design, planning, and strategic design work in various fields.

  • COMMENT

    We look forward to meeting new talent this year, too!

    AWARD

    I would happily work with you on any of your projects, as many are highly experimental!

  • BOOK OF LAI

    STUDIO BEHIND 90 Creative Director

    PROFILE

    Lai is a Kuala Lumpur-based digital artist known for his vibrant, imaginative illustrations. With over eight years in the creative industry, Lai founded Studio Behind 90, creating striking visuals for clients like Netflix, Snapchat, and American Airlines. His art blends creativity with storytelling, captivating audiences worldwide.
    Drawing inspiration from fantasy and adventure, his work often features whimsical moving spaces.

    Golden Pin Design Award, 3X3 Magazine Professional Show Merit, Indigo Award Silver, IDA Design Award Bronze, and the World Illustration Award.

  • Patamon Nisabodee

    Saratta Founder / Artistic Director

    PROFILE

    Design director specialized in exhibition design, public installation and publication design. In 2019, founded Saratta, an innovative art space in Bangkok as an establishment to convey pleasure of art and creation. Housing artworks of nationwide and international artists. Offers creative curations, innovative artisanal features to both the public and private sectors, multiple festival platforms such as Bangkok Design Week, WOW: Wonder of Well Living.

  • AWARD

    Connect to the wider audiences with an exhibition in Bangkok!

  • Hisashi kawakami

    Universal Ad Network CO., LTD. President / CEO

    PROFILE

    Since 2015, Kawakami has been involved in the planning, production, and operation of “Art Fair Tokyo,” one of Japan’s largest international art fairs, serving as General Manager until December 2023. Additionally, he oversees events such as “artKYOTO,” launched in 2019 at the World Heritage site Nijo Castle, and “art stage OSAKA,” launched in 2022.
    In April 2021, he founded the NFT platform “FAT Collection” to bring Web3 technology to the art world and stimulate its social implementation. He has hosted hybrid exhibitions featuring both physical and digital artworks across Japan, aiming to introduce contemporary art to the Web3 space.
    Most recently, Kawakami organized CURATION⇄FAIR in February 2024 at the registered tangible cultural property “kudan house” in Kudan, Tokyo. This event, focusing on “curation,” is designed to promote regional cultural development and showcase "One Continuous Japanese Art" to a global audience, aspiring to expand new markets for antique, modern, and contemporary art.

  • COMMENT

    UNKNOWN ASIA, now in its 10th year, is recognized by many artists as one of the leading art fairs in Osaka, a city with growing momentum in anticipation of the World Expo next year.
    I am looking forward to seeing the artworks created by Asian artists and who have been sincerely confronting their own backgrounds and research themes. I am also looking forward to seeing how the artists deal with the different social changes in each country and the technology that commonly brings about change, and how they express the relationship between the individual and the world.

    AWARD

    One year free use of FAT Collection IP management service

  • Takanobu Kawazoe

    WALLSHARE inc. founder・CEO

    PROFILE

    Mural company from Osaka

  • COMMENT

    Respect for all artists!!

    AWARD

    Consult with the artist

  • AKIHIRO MAEDE

    MARZEL Editor-in-chief

    PROFILE

    Born in 1978 in Osaka. Editor-in-chief of "MARZEL," a web media platform that transmits information on people, things, and culture in the Kansai region. After graduating from university, he worked for a production company, setting up his company for advertising promotions and corporate branding. In November 2020, he launched "MARZEL" with "Carta Creative Inc." as an editor-in-chief. Based on the idea that "people make the city interesting," he continues to focus on people active in various cultural scenes such as art, fashion, music, food, and comedy.

  • COMMENT

    We look forward to meeting artists with various talents, possibilities, and the ability to express themselves.

    AWARD

    Interviews in "MARZEL" and appointments and recommendations for various projects.

  • Shuhei Matsuo

    京阪神エルマガジン社

    PROFILE

    Born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1978. He joined "Keihanshin L Magazine" in 2002. After working in charge of music in the editorial office of "Lmagazine" (ceased publication in 2009), he joined the editorial office of "Meets Regional" in 2008. After serving as deputy editor-in-chief of the same magazine, he assumed his current position in 2019. He loves people and cities.

  • Mayumi matsubara

    IN CO .,LTD CEO

    PROFILE

    Space produce and art consultant

  • COMMENT

    I hope you find new inspiration.

    AWARD

    Your artwork will create many wonderful spaces.

  • FM802

    株式会社FM802 Radio Station

    PROFILE

    The Number-One Music Radio Station in Osaka

  • FM COCOLO

    株式会社FM802 Radio Station

    PROFILE

    Radio Station for Adult Music Lovers

  • HIROSHI HADA

    Editorial Department of SAVVY Editor-in-chief

    PROFILE

    Born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1981, he joined Keihanshin El Magazine in 2002 and worked in the monthly magazine “SAVVY” editorial office. In 2017, he became deputy editor-in-chief of the monthly magazine “Meets Regional”; in 2024, he transferred to the editorial department of “SAVVY” to hold his current position.

  • AWARD

    We will feature the awarded artist and the works in "SAVVY" magazine.

  • Masaki Takemura

    Keihanshin Lmagazine Cheef editorial officer

    PROFILE

    Born in 1975 in Kyoto, Japan. After working as an SE for an insurance company, he joined Keihanshin L Magazine.
    After working in the editorial departments of Elle Magazine, Savvy, Riche, and Mook, he became editor-in-chief of Meets in 2014, editor-in-chief of Savvy in 2019, and department manager from 2024.
    He is active in magazines and a wide range of other genres, including radio appearances and speaking at seminars.

  • COMMENT

    I can meet new encounters and discoveries every year at this art festival.
    Asia and Osaka have a great affinity, so I am very much looking forward to seeing what artists and artworks I can interact with again this year.

  • Fandy Susanto

    Sunset Limited Founder and Creative Director

    PROFILE

    Fandy Susanto is primarily known as a graphic designer based in Jakarta, where he operates his studio, Table Six. Since graduating from Swinburne University of Technology in 2006, he has been deeply involved in the graphic design community. As a designer, he has previously showcased his work in several exhibitions and residency programs. He is also the founder of the Jakarta Art Book Fair and currently creates art under his moniker, Fffffandy.

    Established in late 2016, his gallery, Sunset Limited, has been holding various types of art and culture programs, such as art exhibitions, book launches, music gigs, and more. Sunset Limited aspires to be a welcoming space for art-based communities, encouraging people to gather and collaborate. The space is a blend of a small gallery and a curated shop, offering artists the opportunity to create intimate shows and express themselves freely. In addition to the gallery space, a significant portion of Sunset Limited is devoted to retail. Products are handpicked from both local and international sources, including books, t-shirts, and music records, with a focus on consigning products from local artists. Fandy's main goal with Sunset Limited is to spotlight and support creatives from the more underground scene, providing them with a platform to develop their art. He finds joy in actively engaging with art and cultural communities, often initiating platforms, exhibitions, and other endeavours that foster a collaborative spirit among creatives.

  • AWARD

    The artist will have the opportunity to exhibit their works at our gallery, Sunset Limited. We will provide the exhibition space, handle the setup, create the graphic design, and manage the publication.

    Additionally, the artist can collaborate with Sunset Limited to produce a range of special merchandise, including t-shirts, tote bags, prints, and other items. Sunset Limited will cover the production costs, and the profits will be shared between the artist and Sunset Limited.

  • HIROSHI DOIJI

    BEAMS senior creative director

    PROFILE

    Hiroshi Doiji is an Executive Officer at BEAMS Co., Ltd., serving as Senior Creative Director and Head of Directors Bank. After working as a shop staff, he spent over 20 years in advertising and public relations for the BEAMS Group. He then launched a new business model by forming alliances with domestic and international companies, organizations, brands, and individuals with global platforms, aiming for the next generation. Currently, he serves as the Head of Directors Bank, an agency that brings together directors. He also served as the President and Representative Director of B@ Inc., BEAMS' first joint venture and a creative agency, until February 2023. As Senior Creative Director, he promotes innovative value creation, brand image enhancement, and the realization of BEAMS' vision. He also serves as the Izumo Tourism Ambassador and the Creative Director of Buaiso, the former residence of Jiro and Masako Shirasu, managed by Kogei-sha Co., Ltd. His work is diverse, including radio personality, part-time university lecturer, master of ceremonies, and various lectures.

  • COMMENT

    It is a great honor to be a judge for UNKNOWN ASIA. I am truly looking forward to seeing the works of talented artists from all over Asia. As a judge, I have high expectations for discovering new talent and being inspired by the passion and creativity of the artists. I am excited to encounter wonderful works at the fantastic stage of UNKNOWN ASIA.

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