PROJECT INFO: Extended JICC Gallery Hours: City Pop Edition
PROJECT SCOPE: Solo project, digital & print design, flyer, web assets
PROJECT DURATION: 2 weeks
DESCRIPTION:This event was coordinated as a celebration of Part II of the JICC, Embassy of Japan's Summer 2023 Traveling Exhibition: "The Superlative Artistry of Japan."The JICC gallery was open with extended evening hours featuring a large collection of art on display, a Japanese City Pop-inspired set by DJ Em-Pulse, and a light reception. Part II of this exhibition featured platinum glaze ceramics, performance art, dioramas, and more—all intricately crafted via a mix of contemporary and modern Japanese are techniques. I was inspired by Night Tempo's custom 1980s album art and artists such as Mariya Takeuchi, Anri, Miki Matsubara, Tatsuro Yamashita, etc. Other vinyl art inspiration was also pulled from Tokyo-based artist Hiroshi Nagai whose iconic images of resort living can be seen across many albums.
By day,
EMI YASUKAWA is a cross-border communications consultant. By night, she is DJ Em-Pulse, a Washington, D.C.-based DJ. Through her music, DJ Em-Pulse explores blending sounds from funk, disco, R&B, J-pop, and other varieties of pop music. She also infuses elements of her birthplace, Japan, and her upbringing in Tokyo. DJ Em-Pulse curates tracks that seamlessly incorporate urban noises and traditional sounds - like the shamisen - intertwinded with '90s disco tunes, delivering a groove that compels you to move.
I took reference photos for this illustration using Aki Regan as my model and studied several collections of 1980s illustrations (from landscapes to anime) in order to re-create their vibe in this half-toned "cel shading-inspired" digital illustration. This promotional illustration was used on our website, in an e-flyer, email campaign, an event ticketing page, and as an in-person flyer during the JICC'sGallery Night with live music.
ASSETS MADE & TASKS: Digital illustration, flyer, web assets, social media assets
TOOLKIT: Clip Studio Paint, Photoshop, Illustrator
