While visiting the culturally rich country of Japan, the Hairbrained team went rogue – and we had a blast letting loose, plus took part in creating some killer images along the way. Lead by Art Director Takayuki Shibata, and photographed by Takashi Murata, we followed Japanese craft hairdresser Masa Honda and makeup artist Nao Yoshida as they carefully sculpted and re-sculpted their model’s aesthetic. The team paid mind to the most minute of details, and collaborated closely to create unique and stunning images with model, Yuan.
“It was a super inspiring day,” says James Mould, craft hairdresser and behind the scenes videographer. “All of the details were accounted for. The efficiency and creative process were great! We walked to the location [and when we arrived] that’s where the real magic happened. Everyone’s work was being perfectly showcased by [the team’s] model; she was super talented and had high energy,” adds James.
The shoot, which was unpermitted – and therefore illegal in Japan – moved quickly, which only added to the electric energy of the team. “We were shooting on the move,stopping at pinpointed locations,” confirms James. “It definitely felt like we were going rogue.” While shooting, the team ran across an interested group of men. “They had a cool, hip hop, yet skater swag about them – each one with their own, unique look,” says James. “Masa’s team chased them down and asked them to shoot with model, Yuan. The images [that resulted] were powerful and raw. You can’t plan stuff like that,” finishes James.
Wabi-Sabi , which is the Japanese art of finding beauty, helps to shape the art of the culture. While the meaning is verbally elusive, this ‘guerilla shoot’ perfectly illustrates the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic. Loosely translated, the term conjures images of melancholy and contemplation contrasted starkly with beauty. “Art should tap into your senses and provoke emotion,” says James. “Through sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Art isn’t just the finished product; it’s the process crafted by an individual that expresses and tells a story.”
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