From Kimono and katana to handcuffs and headphones that’s a remarkable piece of urban art, contrasting the large colourful tags in style, detail and message.
One query, what is written in the speech bubble?
There’s a real dynamic created by your choice of angle and timing. The woman on the wall is moving along with the women on the walk, and even glancing across at them. I would have just taken a head on shot of the wall when there was no-one in shot, and it would heave been a much plainer and less interesting piece of work than yours.
An interesting piece, isn’t it? There’s the Hello Kitty reference peeking out too.
The speech bubble says ‘Tsuchi noko’. There’s a band by that name, but not sure if they are connected.
Thanks. I waited a little while. A few people passed by but ducked out of shot. They thought I was taking a picture of the wall and thought they were getting in the way. But eventually these two walked past. Not really what I was after, but at least something passable.
When I saw the photo and what you wrote about it, Akira came to my mind. It has similar allegories about Japan’s industrial wild running. Then, I have visited the twitter account that Steko wrote, I was right, both of them are beautiful. And you captured it at right angle while two Japanese girls walking away, Where do you go, Japan?
I saw an article in Tokyo TimeOut today that mentioned a service that hooked tourists up with professional photographers who would follow/guide them to good photo opportunites and provide them with a personal photobook afterwards.
The review included photographs taken during the review and one was alongside this very wall.
Funnily enough I saw exactly the same article, and was interested to see the artwork included. Hope it lasts, but I fear it wont be there for long. Or at least not in it’s current state…
Grant says
Not sure how judgemental it is, but that’s a very cool piece of art. I really like it. 🙂
Lee says
Likewise. Hope it lasts — at least a little while.
cdilla says
From Kimono and katana to handcuffs and headphones that’s a remarkable piece of urban art, contrasting the large colourful tags in style, detail and message.
One query, what is written in the speech bubble?
There’s a real dynamic created by your choice of angle and timing. The woman on the wall is moving along with the women on the walk, and even glancing across at them. I would have just taken a head on shot of the wall when there was no-one in shot, and it would heave been a much plainer and less interesting piece of work than yours.
Lee says
An interesting piece, isn’t it? There’s the Hello Kitty reference peeking out too.
The speech bubble says ‘Tsuchi noko’. There’s a band by that name, but not sure if they are connected.
Thanks. I waited a little while. A few people passed by but ducked out of shot. They thought I was taking a picture of the wall and thought they were getting in the way. But eventually these two walked past. Not really what I was after, but at least something passable.
Steko says
It appears to be the (French) artist’s name/logo, you can see some of his other work here.
https://twitter.com/tcnk1
Great piece, I may use it on my lock screen. Love the composition you’ve added too.
Lee says
Thank you. Very nice to be able to see more of his work.
And cheers. Wanted to do more than just photograph it as it was.
cdilla says
Thanks for the link Steko.
Looks like he has, or is intending to, publish a book of his work with the front cover being a version of this picture.
Rob says
I’m very curious to know where it is…
Lee says
It’s in Shibuya. Near to the crossing.
Rob says
Thanks for letting me know… 🙂
Colorless Photo says
When I saw the photo and what you wrote about it, Akira came to my mind. It has similar allegories about Japan’s industrial wild running. Then, I have visited the twitter account that Steko wrote, I was right, both of them are beautiful. And you captured it at right angle while two Japanese girls walking away, Where do you go, Japan?
Lee says
There’s certainly a lot that can be read into it, that’s for sure.
As for where Japan is going, that’s a very big question. In many different areas too…
cdilla says
I saw an article in Tokyo TimeOut today that mentioned a service that hooked tourists up with professional photographers who would follow/guide them to good photo opportunites and provide them with a personal photobook afterwards.
The review included photographs taken during the review and one was alongside this very wall.
Lee says
Funnily enough I saw exactly the same article, and was interested to see the artwork included. Hope it lasts, but I fear it wont be there for long. Or at least not in it’s current state…