IRL Events

Gagosian Exhibit - NYC

The RTFKT Gagosian event in New York City in 2022 was a landmark collaboration with the celebrated artist Takashi Murakami and represented a fusion of art and cutting-edge technology. For me, it was also the moment that introduced me to the RTFKT family, marking the beginning of an exciting and creative chapter in my career. I had the opportunity to contribute directly to the augmented reality experiences that made the event so memorable, transforming the gallery into an interactive digital wonderland. As guests arrived at the venue, they were greeted by a real-time 3D Murakami, brought to life through RTFKT’s AR technology, which immediately set the tone for a surreal and immersive experience. Snapchat played a crucial role in elevating this event, allowing visitors to interact with AR-enhanced exhibits and engage with the art in ways that were previously unimaginable.

Inside the gallery, the exhibits created by RTFKT were nothing short of breathtaking. One of the most captivating installations was the transformation of the gallery’s ceiling into a vast cosmic scene, with stars and planets hanging overhead, as a larger-than-life CloneX version of Murakami looked down on the crowd below. The sense of scale and immersion made it feel as if the gallery had been transported to another dimension. Another exhibit showcased Murakami’s iconic flowers and grass in AR form, scattered throughout the gallery, giving the space a whimsical and vibrant touch. Perhaps the most surreal installation was the one that turned the room into an underwater paradise, where fish swam gracefully around, further blurring the lines between the digital and physical worlds. It was an exhilarating experience for both artists and attendees, pushing the boundaries of how art can be experienced through augmented reality.

The entire event culminated in an unforgettable after-party at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, extending the creative energy and surreal atmosphere of the gallery into a new space. The party featured a variety of immersive elements, including mesmerizing video projections, fog walls that added a layer of mystery, and displays of 3D-printed RTFKT items and shoes, which showcased the brand’s innovative craftsmanship. The fusion of art, technology, and creativity at both the main event and the after-party was a powerful representation of the future of storytelling and immersive experiences. For me, this event wasn’t just a creative contribution; it was a defining moment that solidified my role within RTFKT and set the stage for even more groundbreaking collaborations and experiences in the future.

Gagosian Website | Click Here

Murakami and RTFKT Geisai Event - Tokyo

The Murakami and RTFKT Geisai event in Tokyo was a monumental celebration of art, fashion, and technology, centered around the release of RTFKT’s exclusive Air Force 1 sneakers, including two unique Murakami designs. The event’s dynamic, futuristic atmosphere was heightened by cutting-edge holographic and augmented reality experiences. One of the key installations, a brain child I'm pretty proud of, was the introduction of a hologram display, created by Proto, which showcased multiple CloneX and Animus characters. Powered by Unreal Engine, the characters' animations were driven in real time by actors wearing Rokoko Mocap suits. Through a webcam, the actors could see and interact with the audience, creating a lively, immersive experience where guests felt like part of the exhibit. RTFKT’s collaborative spirit was on full display, with our team contributing significantly to the planning and execution of all the exhibits.

Further adding to the digital immersion, the event featured a 3D billboard, specially created to showcase the RTFKT Air Force 1s. This billboard was a visual spectacle, emphasizing the innovative nature of the sneakers and setting the tone for the rest of the event. Additionally, AR posters were placed throughout the city, designed to come alive through Snapchat, allowing passersby to interact with the art using their phones. These AR elements were a major hit, engaging the audience even before they arrived at the event and blending the physical and virtual worlds in a seamless, captivating way.

The NFT vending machine at the event was another highlight. It featured digital prizes, including a special Murakami pill NFT that allowed the winner to customize a trait on their CloneX avatar. The excitement didn’t stop there—other prizes included NFT Murakami Flower Blades, further enhancing the digital-physical interplay. The event truly embodied the ethos of RTFKT: pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology. For me and the team, it was an inspiring project that showcased the future of interactive digital art, and it was an honor to help shape such an innovative and memorable experience.

Geisai Event Website | Click Here

Takashi Murakami: Mononoke Kyoto Dinner Event

To celebrate its 90th anniversary, the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art is hosting a special exhibition with world-famous artist Takashi Murakami. The exhibition, Takashi Murakami: Mononoke Kyoto, marks the artist’s first large-scale solo exhibition outside of Tokyo.

Visitors can see new works by Murakami — all of which have been inspired by Edo painters from Kyoto. Notably, this will be the first time many of these works have been exhibited in Japan. Some of the highlights include Murakami’s version of Scenes in and Around Kyoto and Dragon in Clouds – Red Mutation. In the museum garden, visitors can see the 13-meter-tall “Flower Parent and Child” sculpture. This sculpture, which currently stands on a Louis Vuitton monogram trunk, honors the historic collaboration between the artist and the luxury fashion house.

RTFKT collaborated with Takashi Murakami and his team during the private dinner for the Mononoke Kyoto exhibition, creating an unforgettable visual experience. We designed projection screens that animated cherry blossoms, dragons, Animus characters, and several of Murakami's iconic figures, bringing them to life in stunning detail. The projections blended seamlessly with the real-life plants carefully placed throughout the dining space, creating a truly immersive environment where the digital and physical worlds converged. This visual harmony transformed the dinner into a dynamic, sensory experience that captivated guests.