Japanese duo Hitotzuki join us as they visit Honolulu for this year’s POW! WOW! Hawaii x 1xRUN print series. Making their 1xRUN debut with Parallel, “Hitotzuki” stands for the sun and the moon, being contrary to one another, they differ yet fuse together. Through their ideology, depicting scenery from their lifestyle and feelings. With their first print edition the two artists work delves into parallel universes converging, read on to find out more about Parallel by Japanese duo Hitotzuki…
1x: Tell us a little bit about this piece, anything immediate you would like us to highlight?
Hitotzuki: This print is based on a canvas that we recreated from one of our past murals.
1x: Was this piece part of a recent theme, series or show that you had? If so how did it fit into that given grouping?
Hitotzuki: This piece is part of our Parallel theme. We feel there are various different worlds existing on the same time line today. The existence of the real world vary depending on the person’s imagination. Various worlds overlap with the reality as if a parallel world exists. It’s easy to get lost in this world, it makes us wonder about our existence and we think of how we can enjoy life in it. If each individual is certain of their passage, then we think it’s pretty clear. It seems complicated, but it’s actually very simple. We have these ideas in our mind and wonder how our artwork would be seen if our drawings were different from what we draw now. It’s just like drawing a map. This is what got us started with the Parallel theme.
1x: What materials were used to create this piece?
Hitotzuki: Latex paint on canvas with the same materials used for the mural.
1x: When was the piece originally created and how long did it take to complete?
Hitotzuki: We did this in December of last year over about 3 weeks.
1x: Tell us a little bit about your process and how the idea and execution came about?
Hitotzuki: We look at the finished mural and add different perspectives and express it by recreating it in different forms. This Parallel theme shows various possibilities and existences in the given reality.
1x: What do you feel is unique about this piece compared to your other work?
Hitotzuki: We painted this canvas prior to our decision to participate in PowWow Hawaii. For it to turn out to be our print is a great coincident. Kami mainly painted the line and the cloud shape. A motif of symmetry and the character is by Sasu. The characters of the right side are Kumosha, the good Guardian, since back in the day he appears when he is needed.
1x: Describe this piece with one gut reactionary word.
Hitotzuki: Parallel.
1x: What are your expectation this year for POW!WOW! Hawaii?
Hitotzuki: We’d like to leave the best work.
1x: Without giving away too much, what are your plans for your mural out in Honolulu?
Hitotzuki: We will paint a mural in Japan after we get back.
1x: Any of the participating artists on this year’s POW! WOW! Hawaii roster you are excited to see painting?
Hitotzuki: We will be working with a lot of new people, so we are looking forward to their work.
1x: What’s your schedule like after POW!WOW! 2016? Any big shows or events coming up that you’d like to share?
Hitotzuki: Beside our mural projects, we will be releasing a short documentary soon, please check the news on our website.
1x: Where else can people find you?
Hitotzuki: Website – Instagram @htzk @kami_htzk @sasu_lyri – Twitter @htzk – Facebook
-1xRUN