I’m a creature of habit, meaning I’ve been wrapping gifts in the same mega roll of brown kraft paper for years now. I’m also non-crafty, so any mistakes I make are promptly covered up with the vibrant patterns and hues of Japanese masking tape. And it’s inevitable – I break open my stash to wrap one gift and suddenly, the tape beckons me and I’ve covered everything in it: my inspiration board, my sunglasses, my shoes. My dog. And after seeing the work of art director Koji Iyama, I have a feeling we’d get along famously.
For over a decade, Koji has been making the world a more beautiful place through his graphic design and art installations, but his most recent collaboration with MT (the official mecca for Japanese masking tape) is taking the cake. (The very colorful, patterned, taped-to-the-nines cake, that is.)
From store openings to kids’ workshops, Koji has taped his way through Japan and beyond, infusing surprising shades and textures wherever he lands.
Even Hiroshima’s main train station bears Koji’s fingerprints, covered in candy-coated color for commuting delight.
Bikes, cars, storefronts – nothing is exempt from Koji’s sticky, crazy-talented hands.
And it’s a perfect picture, isn’t it? How the mark of one human and his signature tool can spread so much joy into the world, painting a brighter story with each layer of creative purpose.
Image Credits: Koji Iyama
p.s. Masking tape art from Kees Goudzwaar.
Such a cool concept! Plus, the colors are absolutely gorgeous!
http://hiddenbaby.com/blogs/baby-blog
Agree – such great colors!
Oh my god, I am completely smitten with this.
Also, girl – you’re totes crafty. Own it.
Ha, you’d be surprised. ;)
Love the art of masking tape. There’s a few artists that do awesome tape graffiti work as well with creating stop motion using tape. Investigate if you’re curious. :)
Oh I totally will! :)
Ahh! I love it. This makes me so happy. I’m craving color like crazy these days.
ME TOO! must be something in the air. ;)
Yep. “Brown paper packages tied up with string”, is an exact description of how I have wrapped presents for, oh I dunno, a couple of decades now. :) And I still have NEVER even bought washi tape. I am so behind. But I will catch up, I will, I will.
Mx
Careful – it’s a bit of a gateway craft supply. ;)
Yes, yes, yes, so loooove masking tape and it’s ability to make anything instantly beautiful and popping with color. And love the work of Koji Iyama, who definitly takes that to another level!!
He does, yes? Such amazing work!
He just spreads happiness with that tape! Totally in love and smiling. xo
Right there with you, Chelsea!
Ahh! I love this! So fitting that I just took a break from cutting triangles out of my roll of giant gold MT tape to put in my baby boy’s nursery, only to find these gorgeous images!
OMG I can’t wait to see that project! :)
fantastic i really love this post
This is pretty fantastic. I want to incorporate this in my daily life.
Me too! :)
What a lovely idea! colors are so cheerful. I can only imagine how the commute on that beautiful bus will delight anyone!
Right?! :)
Amazing tape!
I know – I can’t stop staring at it! :)
great work
Raymond Howell
Hello, I love tapes, all kind of tapes.
Thank you for that!
I think back to the days before Japanese washi masking tape and remain clueless as to how any of my gifts seemed presentable. Much like you, I can’t get enough of those amazing patterns and delectable colors. Now, if only someone here in the Easy Bay would MT our public transportation systems :)
Ha – I keep wishing for the same in my city! :)