Exhibition Title
Be Rock! Reverberations - Hideki Kimura from Kyoto to LA
Artist
Hideki Kimura
Exhibition Period
September 23 to November 4, 2023
Reception
September 23, 2023 4 to 7PM
Concept
Born in Osaka in 1942, Hideki Kimura initially rose to prominence as a distinguished music producer, orchestrating iconic events and collaborating with luminaries like Frank Zappa during Japan’s early rock era.
However, at 60, Kimura experienced a profound transformation, embracing the path of an artist. His artistic journey has yielded over 180 murals across Japan and abroad, with his first solo exhibition in Tokyo at 80 marking a significant milestone.
Kimura’s artistic evolution, deeply influenced by his musical roots, now springs to life in his dynamic street art. In lieu of a studio, he prefers the vibrant energy of “live” settings to paint.
In this exhibition, Kimura presents a thought-provoking concept: “Those living on and sustained by Earth should refrain from hubris and greed. Where is humanity headed amidst AI, nuclear power, fossil fuels, and the disruptive weather attributed to human actions?” While these are Kimura’s reflections, he encourages viewers to freely interpret and envision, avoiding imposition of his meaning upon them.
Born in Izumiohtsu City, Osaka in 1942.
Graduated from the Kyoto City University of Arts, Department of Design, and worked as a lecturer at the same university.
Produced many legendary events as an organizer in the early days of rock music in Japan.
and more…
Became an artist at the age of 60. He has created more than 200 murals in Japan and abroad. His life with rock music can be seen in his dynamic paintings. Instead of going to the canvas in his studio, he wants to paint “live” in the city. He is a unique artist who advocates the ultimate in amateurism.
His collections include “As I Live,” “Mukamonaka,” and “LIVE.”
In 2012, he provided artwork for Japan Tourism Agency’s “Japan. Thank You.” promotional campaign and was selected for the TBS news program, NEWS23X’s art project, “23XArt”. Takashimaya also adopted Kimura’s artwork for the summer and winter gift season campaign for 3 consecutive years.
Comming Soon
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Speedy Gallery
2525 Michigan Ave. B5B. Santa Monica, CA, 90404
Hours of Operation
Saturdays : 11 - 7 pm
Tuesday to Friday : 11 - 5pm
Please Call for Appointment (213)248-4712
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Director
ART – A New powerful way to change the world.
The first gallery in Los Angeles dedicated to the works of Japanese artists
How many Japanese artists do you know? Ken Watanabe, Takashi Murakami or perhaps, Steve Aoki. But of these three, Takashi Murakami is the only contemporary artist. Ken is an actor, and Steve is a son of the famous steakhouse owner who became a popular DJ.and more…
I opened the Speedy Gallery in Los Angeles in May 2019. My love for art knows no bounds, held many art events on my own as a collector, from shows where Chef Watson (AI) competes with artists to museum exhibitions that exclusively featured exotic rare plants from around the world. These are more than art exhibitions; they take people by surprise and joy, showing significance of art events to those who weren’t so interested.
I’m constantly thinking about unique ways to curate art events; hence, I established the Speedy Gallery to introduce artists that are recognized in Japan yet have potential to be celebrated worldwide.
Branding Through Art
I wouldn’t call myself an art producer. I’ve spent many years in corporate brand consulting for Asian clients from Japan to China. Now, I’m planning to brand Japanese art globally through this gallery.
It was easy for companies to build a brand in the past. Before internet, television and magazines were the main media of 20th century. More you invest on marketing and advertisement, more exposure you had. But the rise of multimedia and social media changed the game. Building awareness of the product and services are not enough. Today, it’s about sharing. Sharing the information, users’ benefits, and the experiences with others through media. Companies have expanded beyond television and internet, creating actual spaces where people can directly interact to share the experiences. Many successful brands create these interactive spaces, share the experience through social media and get the people to love their brand. I believe that Speedy Gallery will be beneficial to the people of Los Angeles and the community at large.
Connecting with Society Through Art
Of course, Speedy Gallery will sell amazing artworks like other galleries, and all proceeds will be donated to charities. But it’s more than that. Speedy Gallery is a community space for every art lover and for those who wants to make changes in the world.
Through my career, I have obtained deep understanding of the internet businesses and how the digital natives think. They understand that internet allows people to explore the unknown corners of the societies. They utilized the power of social network to change the society. Take Ice Bucket Challenge, for example, it helped raise awareness of ALS, the Umbrella Revolution in Hong Kong, Greta Thunberg’s environmental activism and more.
Please come visit Speedy Gallery to enjoy the art and make change in the world.
https://speedyartgallery.com/
Atsushi Fukuda
Brand Consultant
Born in Osaka, 1965. Graduated from the Art Department of Nihon University
Founder of Sony Digital Entertainment Inc.
Yokohama College of Art - Visiting Professor
K.I.T. Graduate School - Visiting Professor
and more…
Other than consultancy, our activities are wide and far-reaching, from acting as talent agent for the actress "NON", management of an art gallery in Los Angeles, event planning and casting business in Beijing, business development utilizing blockchain from Estonia, hosting "AI Salon" for corporate clients, and development of resorts and high tech agriculture in Okinawa and more.
Also drew attention for intorducing the "American-type Talent Agency Contracts" with affiliated artists, which was new to Japan's entertainment industry.
In 1998, as the Vice President of Sony Pictures Entertainment, he was involved in founding the satellite broadcasting network "Animax", "AXN", and more.
Awards:
Cartier Award “Change Maker of the Year” (2016)
Warner Brothers’ Award “Best Marketer of the Year” (3 consecutive years 2010 – 2012)
Selected as one of “21st Century’s 51 Key IT People” by Nikkei (2001)
Government Commission:
Agency for Cultural Affairs: appointed as “Content Researcher”
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry: “Information Age of Discovery” member
Ministry of International Affairs and Communication: “Media & Software Study Group” member
Publications:
“Breezing Thru DX” (Koryosha Books)
“Ready for the Paradigm Shift?: Creative Minds Post Corona” (Speedy Books)
“You Are Not Thinking to Profit from Social Media, Are You?” (Shogakan)
“This is OK as a 14 Year Old!” (Kodansha)
“Vox Pop is a Lie” (Satemaga Books)
Speedy, Inc. - President
Speedy Property Management Inc. - President
Speedy Gallery Inc. (CA, U.S.) - President
Speedy Euro OÜ - President
Speedy China - Director
Koryosha Inc. - Director
NPO’s:
- Representative Director of The Association of Achantemama
- Representative Director of Non Profit Organization Sosaigigi
- Auditor of Fathering Japan Auditor
- Co-founder of Tiger Mask Foundation
Company: Speedy, Inc.
Established: September 7th, 2017
Address: 7-7-7 8F Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Japan 106-0032
Company Details: Worldwide entertainment group with offices all over the world in locations such as Japan, North America, China, and Estonia.
Handles a wide range such as brand consulting, talent agency, art gallery management, publishing, online live streaming, and VR public viewing.