This summer, Japanese up-and-coming artist Gaku joins hands with ifc mall in the artist’s first creative art installation outside of Japan, unleashing the child within us all in a dream-like wonderland! Until 28 August, the Oval Atrium of ifc mall is transformed into the “Life is a Playground” Creative Art Installation, featuring three awe-inspiring zones – “The Colourful Carousel” Art Installation, “Create Your Own Playground” Digital Experience and “The Dream World of Gaku” Art Gallery – through which visitors can dive into the artist’s autistic yet vibrant mind through his works in varying mediums, as well as interactive and Instagram-worthy installations!
Dive into the world of a young autistic artist through the three zones and immersive interactive experience
The “Life is a Playground” Creative Art Installation is inspired by Gaku’s “Summer Bubble” and its dynamic circles. Gaku loves to use circles of different brightness to express depth and a three-dimensional effect. “Summer Bubble” employs a cool blue background and lemon-yellow polka dots, revealing the refreshing summertime.
The three zones in the “Life is a Playground” creative art installation include the following:
- “The Colourful Carousel” art installationMimicking a merry-go-round, Gaku’s 12 vibrant works are displayed on metal spheres with spheres of light suspended to reveal a one-of-a-kind carousel, allowing you to appreciate his artwork in a different format. Unleash your inner child and snap a shot with the installation from every angle!
- “Create Your Own Playground” digital experiencePut on your imaginative caps and tailor make your own playground with Gaku’s fun motifs! Select a Gaku’s artwork as your playground theme and then fill it with facilities designed by him including carousel, Ferris Wheel, hot air balloon and more. Your masterpiece will then be projected in the dome so you can fully immerse into your own artwork. Don’t forget to snap a shot and share it on your social media!
- “The Dream World of Gaku” art galleryIn Gaku’s first exhibition overseas, “The Dream World of Gaku” Art Gallery sees close to 20 of the acclaimed artist’s works. Get up close and personal to his talent and relish in his detailed strokes, clever uses of colours, fun motifs and heartwarming animals. They’ll surely bring a smile to your face.
Relish in the autistic artist’s imaginative world and his undying passion for every moment in life
21-year-old creative maven, Gaku, was diagnosed with severe autism at the age of three, with only an IQ of 25. His lack of verbal communication skills didn’t obstruct his creativity in expressing and communicating his positive views through his artwork. At 16 years old, Gaku toured the art museum with his teacher and was touched by famous Japanese artist Tarō Okamoto’s works, sparking his fountain of creativity in depicting his passion for life and the endless possibilities it holds often expressed through Impressionist, vibrant geometric shapes.
The creative Gaku produces more than 200 pieces of work a year and hosted his first solo exhibition in 2019 at Setagaya Art Museum. To date, he has hosted more than 20 exhibitions and sold works topping more than 3 million Yen. Recognised as the rising star of the art realm, Gaku has also joined hands with countless brands.
ifc mall Hong Kong is honoured to collaborate with Gaku in his first creative art installation outside of Japan that immerses visitors into his world of childlike wonder, welcoming them to reconnect with every moving moment in life.
Supporting local charities’ work for autistic children
Gaku overcame the shackles of autism to become the talented artist that he is today. Aside from his talent, Gaku also received immense support from his family members and teachers so he could realise his creativity without bounds. Committed to raise awareness for autistic individuals, ifc mall has also collaborated with local charity Autism Partnership Foundation. Donation machine is available on site at the “Life is a Playground” Creative Art Installation so visitors can do good as they enjoy Gaku’s esteemed works of art.