The samurai’s enormous impact in Japan was even felt in fashion, and in Tetsuya Noguchi’s sculptures and paintings, contemporary fashion influences their own garb. “This Is Not a Samurai” is the artist’s new show at Arsham/Fieg Gallery in Kith Soho. The micro-gallery in New York City has garnered praise for giving smaller works attention. The show kicks off today at the small space.
The show “imagines the samurai in today’s world, wearing some of fashion’s most iconic signifiers, symbols and logos – like the kamon of their sartorial clan,” KITH says. “Since the samurai were the most fashionable members of Japanese society, a samurai today would undoubtedly be decked out in streetwear and the latest kicks – and would likely be a KITH customer. Culture vulture, sneakerhead and hypebeast, Noguchi’s samurai are warriors of the fashion set. Yet, even though these samurai may be victims of fashion, Noguchi’s real message is ultimately one of beauty and optimism as his samurai gaze to the future with innocence and hope.”
See more on KITH’s site.
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