When asked about the joy of creation, artist Noritaka Tatehana said, "I don't like making things because it feels claustrophobic. But the reason I can continue is because of the sense of relief I get after accomplishing something and the smiles on the faces of the customers who receive my work." What is the foundation of his unique creativity, which continues to impact the world and attract attention? Where do the shoes with their fierce yet sweet curves that are synonymous with Tatehana come from? With a hidden motive of wanting to peek behind the scenes of his work, we conducted a questionnaire interview with Noritaka Tatehana.
--What is necessary for creation?
The first thing necessary for creation is "for whom am I making it?" You need to sense and express eroticism in the client. The form is not important. What's important is to convey it in the invisible parts. Because creating art is merely a means of expression, the priority is always not "what to make" but "for whom am I making it."
--Is there someone (icon) who inspires eroticism?
Sophia Loren.
--If there are any artists or creators whose work you find erotic, please tell us.
Tracey Emin, Sophie Calle, right?
--What is the object of your fetish?
I feel a fetish for women's backs. I cannot create more beauty than what I have seen. Feminine lines and shapes must have influenced the design of my work to some extent.
--If you had to describe sensuality in one word, it would be...
The slumber of life.
[Profile of Noritaka Tatehana]
Born in Tokyo in 1985. Born into a family that runs the Kabuki-yu public bath in Kabukicho, he grew up in Kamakura. Influenced by his mother, a doll maker based on the Steiner education system, he learned to make things with his hands from an early age, and began teaching himself to make clothes and shoes at the age of 15. He studied painting and sculpture at Tokyo University of the Arts, and later majored in dyeing and weaving, researching courtesans and creating kimonos and geta sandals using the traditional Japanese dyeing technique of Yuzen. In 2010, he founded his own fashion brand, "NORITAKA TATEHANA." His shoes, which are completed entirely by hand, have attracted attention not only in the fashion world but also in the art world. His works are known to be favorites of Lady Gaga and Daphne Guinness. From December 17th, his solo exhibition, "Noritaka Tatehana Exhibition," will be held at Shibuya Hikarie.
