Sharaku: A Bold Interpretation of Edo Era Artistry

Yasuhito Takeuchi's Innovative Poster Design Inspired by the Mysterious Painter Sharaku

Yasuhito Takeuchi found inspiration in the painter Sharaku, a figure who stood out amidst the corruption and strict controls of the mid-Edo era. Sharaku's boldness and originality, his refusal to conform to stereotypes, and his unique techniques of exaggerating the faces and bodies of Kabuki actors, all served as a source of inspiration for Takeuchi.

Takeuchi's poster design is a free interpretation of Sharaku's world. He chose to depict Sharaku as a woman, blending the painter's style with a fashion concept. The design does not adhere to a specific era or period, instead, it represents an experimental challenge that includes impactful art direction. The aim was to express Sharaku's world in a bold and free manner, similar to the painter's own approach.

The poster was created with minimal use of graphical techniques. Instead, Takeuchi focused on finishing the objects in the photographs themselves using pictorial design. He collaborated with a fashion designer to produce several socks and with an interior designer to create a Kabuki mirror. The furniture was carefully chosen to fit into Sharaku's world view, and the graphics were used to optimize the photographs.

The project was carried out in Tokyo, starting in August 2016 and ending in October 2016. It was exhibited in Tokyo Design Week in November 2016. The research for the project involved a deep dive into Sharaku's works, the culture and mores of the Edo era, and the mystery surrounding the painter's identity. This research was instrumental in shaping Takeuchi's interpretation of Sharaku's world.

The biggest challenge was the unrestricted nature of the project. The aim was not to use many graphics and typography, but to present a standard photography work. The process involved collecting many documents and resources, creating a female character of Sharaku, and focusing on the deeply and waney image of a woman. The final result was a stunning graphic design that was a testament to the team's challenging mind.

Takeuchi's poster design was awarded Silver in A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award in 2018. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. Takeuchi's design, with its strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, certainly fits the bill.