What will "Kawaii SKULL" accomplish and inherit in this age?
I thought I would put together a NOTE to clarify a common understanding of the future within the community.
In this article, I will share not only "Kawaii SKULL" but also what I will accomplish as an "Artist". What do we think and act on at the root?
First🌈
First of all, I am conscious of how "Kawaii SKULL" will be viewed in the bigger picture of the times.
I was born in 1999, lived between 2000 and 2100, and can be considered "collectively" one of the Japanese "Artists" who worked in the early digital native era. At that time, we believe it is significant to leave behind for the next generation the fact that in this era, digital technology has given birth to a new culture and a new set of values has taken root.
For this purpose, I would like to leave my thoughts firmly in written form and leave behind something that will become a bible for the Japanese art world.
Just as I myself learned how to fight in the art world from reading Takashi Murakami's "Art Entrepreneurship," I hope to leave behind a legacy of how to fight in the digital age from my own perspective.
I will continue to fight on the front lines, and I also think it would be interesting if a new star is born in the Japanese art world from my activities.
"Kawaii SKULL" aims to leave its name in history and challenge the great "Artists" of the past. We are also determined to create a new "art movement" in Japan, and to pass on to the next generation a fighting style for the digital age.
What is a memorable "Artist" in history? 📚
Next, I would like to share what exactly it means to leave one's name in history and challenge the "artists" of the past.
I learned more strongly about the history of photography, partly because I had studied photography as a student. From there, we discovered that there are commonalities and idiosyncrasies among different periods in history. In addition to the quality of their work, the people who have been at the forefront of creating a new culture have had a major impact on their time.
for example, Irving Penn, who was my first interest when I started learning photography. He was active in the fashion world for more than 60 years in addition to floral and still-life photography. I myself was greatly influenced by his photographs.
When I started learning photography, I was determined to surpass Irving Penn! But as I learned more about history, I began to notice a certain discomfort. The "era" in which Irving Penn lived and the "era" in which I live have changed so much in terms of technology and values that we cannot compete with them on an equal footing.
I thought that in order to win over not only the works of the past, but also the achievements, history, and people who have influenced various "artists," I could not win only by the "era" in which I live.
I came to the conclusion that I would finally be able to fight on equal terms when I was "collectively" called an "Artist" of the past, decades after my death.
The "Kawaii SKULL" statement, "A reminder that intensifies after death," builds on this idea.
🔻About the Nen in the skull ☠️
Irving Penn is the best photographer of the film era. The composition, colors, and ideas are all wonderful, and the use of backing paper in photography is now common, but the history of this practice was made in their time.
The image of an "artist" that I have created is to express the new culture and values born in my lifetime while inheriting the techniques and ideas of the past, and to challenge the "artists" of the past as an "artist" who has been active since the 2020s, several decades after my death.To this end, we intend to develop various stories in the "Kawaii SKULL" work over a period of several decades. This is the reason why we are talking about a long-term project.
Birth of a New Culture🧬
I believe that the current art world is changing into a stronger "popular culture" with the spread of digital technology.
I feel that NFT has revolutionized artistic concepts in the age of reproduction technology and has opened up new possibilities. A culture is building in the crypt world that is different from the existing art world, and values need to be updated significantly. Just as the age has changed from TV to Youtube, the digital revolution has occurred in the art world, and the time has finally come for young people to play an active role in the art world. We are now at the turning point of a great era.
Today, a certain amount of artwork can be viewed on digital devices such as smartphones, and art is no longer something that only a limited number of people can view. Kawaii SKULL" is also the antithesis of the existing art world, and was created using a smartphone, which most people own.The "values" that are changing today are increasingly spreading around digital devices such as smartphones.Many of the works I am currently producing are designed to be viewed on a smartphone. We believe that the smartphone will be the main medium for viewing art in the future
▼Recent works have been produced in a portrait format for viewing on a smartphone.
I was greatly impressed by the new culture of setting up a profile of NFTs held among them. I felt it was wonderful that a new style of wearing artwork, including the Apple Watch, was born, in which people not only display but also wear artwork.
We believe that the "value" of displaying (or wearing) artwork as a profile picture will take root in the future. Therefore, "Kawaii SKULL" is designed to be easy to set up as a profile from the beginning.
The genre of "collectibles" has come to exist, and a "community" has emerged for each project, centered on Twitter, based on a shared interest and recognition of having the same work, something that had been difficult to show on the surface until now. This has led to the creation of a "community" for each project, centered on Twitter. The reasons for the spread of NFT are the widespread use of smartphones, the trend to no longer post real faces on the Internet, and the fundamental human need to belong to something. I believe that NFT's works are taking on the role of "icons" of themselves and gaining new value. I actually felt that way myself by purchasing NFT. By offering a few rights to the owner of the work, the company is able to develop new activities to utilize the work, such as using it for secondary creation or advertising its own company, which is an interesting element.
And I also feel that we are changing our values from providing the best to now, to creating the best together. It can be said that we are moving from an era of national and corporate concentration to one in which individuals are creating new "communities.
This year will be a year of preparation🔮
Earlier this year, I tweeted this.
We knew we needed to take a hard look at ourselves and reanalyze how the market was changing and in which areas we would attack. It sold out in February of this year, and although there were great expectations for its next development, it did not make a major move. There are several reasons for this.
It was said that the bubble would end around the summer of 2021 and that a downward market (winter period) would arrive, and I always had a sense of "crisis" in my activities. It is necessary to make this project a project that will survive five to ten years from now, rather than conforming to the bubble-like ideology of those around it. We decided to go on the offensive at the end of the bubble, when the "winter period" had passed with the "community" and the market was gradually beginning to spread to the general public.So now we are trying to increase the value of "Kawaii SKULL" without wasting money. I learned from YouTubers who are active in the same digital world that one of the common elements of those who survive is the need to make people like "themselves. YouTubers who were getting views only for their projects have hardly survived today. I suspect that in a few years, few projects that were planned and collaborated only to raise Floor Price will survive.This is also the reason why "Kawaii SKULL" has not collaborated much.
An "Artist" needs to maintain his or her "conviction" that will not waver no matter what others say. Kawaii SKULL" is an art project and needed to have a solid "core". The value of the project will not increase in the short term, but will increase over the long term.
I realized something when I was doing my self-analysis and researching the market after the sale.
First is the fact that you will never win in the future you envisioned when you sold out. I was subconsciously aware of projects with different funding and objectives and felt that we should not be doing the same thing. We needed to develop our "individuality" as "Kawaii SKULL" and build our own worldview. I also felt that it was not good that we were only looking at the world of crypto.
We thought that the timing of the sellout could have made it a bit more public, but it was only talked about among those who knew about NFT, and it was not talked about at all in the Japanese art world. I felt that I had the keywords "23 years young", "over 100 million yen transactions in one day", and "NFT" as keywords to talk about, but I guess I was not that naive. One of the reasons for this was my own lack of personal connections and the fact that I only work in a closed (anonymous) environment, which makes it difficult to connect with the topic. Then I was contacted by Joichi Ito to appear on his podcast, and since I had no qualms about being out front, I agreed to do so.
I felt very strongly that it was also necessary to acquire enough achievements and name recognition to be picked up at the right time to initiate something next. I would like to continue my activities to expand the name "Kawaii SKULL" not only in the art world but also in various other places.
And when I spoke at "NCC 2022" and "Solana hacker house", I realized once again that English is the common language of top-level people.
I felt that I was losing a great opportunity by not being able to speak English and communicate with others, and that if I did not do so, I would end up as one of the Japanese "artists. What I lack now are connections, skills, knowledge, and languages. I hope to learn while having fun at the same time.
For these reasons, we have designated 2022 as the year in which we will prepare to fight the world.
Consider Kawaii SKULL☠️
Kawaii SKULL" is an art project created for his own posthumous death. The goal is to pack decades worth of stories into the work while it is still alive, and to elevate it to a work that can compete on equal terms with those that have gone down in history. We also want to carry on the culture that is emerging in the crypt world and advocate a new art style.
It has now become the third largest collection in Japan in terms of number of owners. Approximately 4,180 people own works.
(No. 1 is "Murakami.flowers" with about 5,800 people.)
"Kawaii SKULL" is a collection of 10,000 Japanese pieces from 2021. The majority of them are composed of GIF animations and all of them are produced by hand. And the collection is very much about the stories within the pieces. I consider it a wonderful thing, objectively speaking, that a "community" has been formed around my work at the age of 23.
Strengths and objectives of "Kawaii SKULL 🌈
Compared to other collectibles, I think our strengths are "animation" and "storytelling.And it is a long-term project that will be completed at the time of my own death. My future goal is to create animated films that people will want to watch for the rest of their lives. This is one of the reasons why the majority of my work consists of GIFs.
▼How Kawaii SKULL was created.
One of the ways in which value is attached in the digital age is through public recognition and the creation of a large meme culture. I was also greatly fascinated by these values, and was particularly impressed by the work "Nyan Cat"🐱🌈
"Nyan Cat" is a gif animation composed of the sound "nyan" that currently has 200 million views on YouTube. Derivative videos and other videos were posted on YouTube, mainly overseas, and became a hot topic. The piece traded for 300 ETH in February 2021, greatly expanding the possibilities of meme culture. I too was greatly influenced by this work and saw great potential in NFT. I feel that this was a major turning point for digital artists.
I am planning to take this culture and upload my own works on Tiktok and YouTube to start a new meme culture in Japan. I feel that I need to acquire a new weapon and be evaluated from a different angle as an "Artist". In a few years, when this activity is recognized and a work of art has great value, I believe that I will be recognized as one of the "Artists" who are recognized worldwide.
We are now planning to get serious and create a work that combines animation and music. In the initial stages, I will expand on the image of the dot-picture skulls that I have somehow seen before. In a few years we may see "Kawaii SKULL" on YouTube or Tiktok. It will be a long struggle.
I am thinking of becoming an "Artist" specializing in digital.
And we have decided to create an original idea that will help us not to be carried away by our surroundings in our activities. We believe this is a necessary element to fight for the long term!
・No long-term roadmap is created.
・We will not get involved in price competition.
・Absolutely no unnecessary collaboration.
・Profits are also used to grow as an "Artist".
・We take better care of our holders.
We do not make roadmaps for collectors and ourselves to enjoy our work, and we believe that we need to be flexible and have room to fight in a market where we do not know what will happen. It is also the reason why we have not done much in the way of roadmap announcements or collaborations after the sellout. It seems natural for floor prices to rise quickly due to comparisons with other collections and the bubble mentality, but the value of an "artist" can only increase over the long term. After we get through the winter period with the "community", we will attack at once at the appropriate time.
And above all, what I value the most is that my supporters enjoy their time with me. We are looking to offer something that only we can do, assuming that we can add speculative value. The story of a Japanese "Artist" who fights against the world and rises to the top will be preserved digitally. We hope that you will enjoy it.
I will definitely become an "Artist" who is active in the world.
New Art Movement🔥
I have been declaring since last year that I will be the best "Artist" in Japan, and I have a solid reason for that.
We believe that what is needed in the Japanese art scene today is the presence of a "symbolic" star. I believe it is necessary for young "artists" to emerge who are active in the world, have overwhelming ability, and transcend the barriers of the industry, like Otani in baseball or Naoya Inoue in boxing. In the existing contemporary art world, there are already legends, and there is little room for young artists. The "symbols" that will make the next era exciting are sure to emerge from the "digital world. The generation that discovers new values through the widespread use of smartphones and other digital devices will build a "new era".
My statement "No.1 in Japan" includes the meaning of symbolism.
I feel that in all industries, those with "symbols" are thriving. And the "symbols" are active and appreciated all over the world. That is why I aim to be active in the world. I think the lack of its presence in the art world until now is the reason for its lack of excitement. When I looked at the existing art world, I felt bored. Rather than waiting for the existence of such an entity that might eventually appear, I felt it would be quicker to become one myself, and decided to go for it. I had this idea from the time I declared last summer that I would become the best in Japan and compete with the world.
『Kawaii SKULL』世界進出に向け、
— ☠️ Kawaii SKULL 🌈 (@KawaiiSKULL_nft) September 1, 2021
まずは日本の方々に協力をお願いしたいです。
僕は最高の作品を作り上げていきます。そして、それを拡散していただけると本当に嬉しいです。🌈
僕は絶対に日本No.1の勢いをもった若手アーティストになります。
全力で頑張るので是非よろしくお願い致します。🙇♂️
Many of you may feel that we may be able to achieve this more than when we declared last year that we would be the best in Japan. We will gradually bring it closer to realization.
This idea will lead to the creation of a new "art movement" in Japan. This will lead to the idea of creating a new "art movement" in Japan.
My definition of an "art movement" is to work with influential "friends" to transcend industry barriers, to change the image of art, and to create opportunities for people to come to love art. It also leads to the reason why I am always sharing my thoughts on social networking sites.
To create an "art movement" requires long-term time and preparation. And it is not something that can happen on its own. My works, ideas, and accomplishments inspire my generation and the next generation to learn about art and produce results, thereby indirectly attracting "friends" who share the same ideology. I want to increase the number of "friends" who will do their best to help me when I want to do something interesting. I believe that a "new art movement" will be born when we work together with these "friends" to create the best of what we do and create a major event around the world. I believe that we can do interesting things with people all over the world because of the digital world.
I want to create an opportunity for people in Japan to learn about and like art.
I started seeing people who became interested in art and started collecting because of NFT. It seems to me that an economic sphere different from the existing contemporary art world is beginning to emerge. I feel it is wonderful that more and more people are enjoying art from a new perspective, without being caught up in the existing way of thinking about the art world. That is why I am active in the digital world.
As long as I continue to be an "Artist", I will continue to do interesting things.
Finally☠️🌈
I want to create a "community" where all people can relate to each other on an equal footing. Age, gender, nationality, appearance. We want to create a space where people can enjoy themselves freely regardless of age, gender, nationality, or appearance. I hope those who own "Kawaii SKULL" will understand it well. When we all die, we all have the same skull.
▲ I created this work with an awareness of the "community" that is forming around me.
Many of my favorite cartoon characters are the coolest people. I would never live a lame life. That is why I will never do it either. I want to show that not only with my words but also with my results. I never have and I never will.
When the "Kawaii SKULL" was sold out, I was reminded of something I had heard before.
『What was important came before what I wanted.』
These are the words of Ging from HUNTER x HUNTER.
While I was working only to be active in the world, I realized that something important had come to exist within me. I realized it was the best "moment" when I celebrated with my supporters when the event was sold out. I felt from the bottom of my heart that I had done my best when my best "friends" congratulated me as if I were them, rather than the title I had wanted, "the best in Japan. That is why I want to continue to create more interesting things. I want to make it more exciting.
That is why I would like to value the "community" more.
I feel it's wonderful that we were able to have this kind of presence before we became the best in Japan. Together, we can aim to be the best in Japan in the future and show everyone the story of our success in the world. I will definitely become a world-class "Artist". I will never be able to do it alone, so I would be very happy if you all could support me.
The digital world is changing at a tremendous pace. I myself will continue to update "MINDMAP" by constantly changing my sense of values. Please understand that there may be times when we may have to make a 180 degree change in strategy 🙏
We will work flexibly to keep up with the ever-changing values of the times.
『Remember that you yourself will one day become a skull, and enjoy yourself while you are creating.』
We will always do our best to keep this idea in mind.
The story of "Kawaii SKULL" has just begun. We will continue to make it more and more exciting, so thank you for your support.
Thank you for reading to the end 🙇♂️
See you soon 👋🌈
▼OpenSea