The voyage of an artist confronting her future self.
With the elderly population projected to be double in size and to account for 20% of the US population by 2030, acclaimed photographer Kyoko Hamada’s “I Used To Be You” series is a project that invites us to take a closer look at ageing and our own mortality, facts no one can escape despite all our scientific advances.
By creating the fictional character Kikuchiyo-san, Hamada has transformed herself, aided by ageing makeup, a grey wig, hand-made body stuffing, and a selection of thrift store clothing, into an elderly Japanese lady living alone in New York City.
As such, Kikuchiyo-san has turned to Kickstarter in the hope of raising funds to produce a limited edition artist book of “I Used To Be You”.
In our youth obsessed society, Hamada enters into the sphere of the elderly; a state of being and living that is often marginalized and avoided, yet an integral and inevitable part of our life cycle. This collection of photographs, 99 in total, portrays ageing in a delicate and positive way that inspires the viewer to look and reflect on their own existence.
“I Used To Be You” recently received the grand prize from the Lens Culture International Expo- sure Awards, and was also included in the Critical Mass Top 50.
The Book – will be signed and numbered in a limited edition hardback, stitched binding with pink thread and with a textured matte cloth cover. The design will reflect and support the minimal and clean style of Hamada’s work.
Fundraising Party:
Pocko’s recently opened Dalston gallery will host a fundraising event on Thursday, 4th of June, displaying some of the works from Hamada’s “I Used To Be You”. Feel free to come along to view the exhibition and support the project. Nibbles and drinks will be provided.
Quotes:
“Being Kikuchiyo-san is both future and past for Kyoko – as it makes her wonder about her silver years, but also about how her older self will look back at this series and remind her of her life now”
Michelle Cohan, on CNN
“In the age of plastic surgery and the obsession with never growing old, Hamada’s delicate yet powerful work reminds us of how brief moments and small details are the essence of a life we rush through”
Nicola Schwartz – Editor of Pocko Editions
“This body of work is a force; it’s poignant and personal, inventive and insightful into the psyche of a talented and compassionate artist”
Cat Jimenez – Director of the Lucie Foundation
Web:
Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com
Pocko: www.pocko.com
I Used To Be You: iusedtobeyou.me
Who We Are:
Kyoko Hamada:
Born in Tokyo, she moved to West Virginia at fifteen and graduated from the Pratt Institute in photography and painting. Hamada exhibited her work in the National Portrait Gallery (UK), Randall Scott Gallery, Civilian Art Projects, and Michael Hoppen Gallery UK), among others. Hamada’s photographs have been featured in The New Yorker, Telegraph Magazine, T Magazine, DuJour, and Wall Street Journal Magazine.
Pocko Editions:
Pocko is an artist consultancy that specialises in producing content and providing services for the art, culture and communication fields. Collaborations are at the core of our philosophy, from traditional publishing to digital animation, exhibitions and live performances. Pocko is dedicated to helping artists to thrive creatively and professionally.
With the support of the Lucie Foundation
Contact: Jeremy Newton
Email: jeremy@pocko.com
Phone: +44 203 1361870
