Creativity begins at home while the world grapples with containing the coronavirus. For Takuya Yamaguchi, art has nonetheless been flourishing during self-isolation, with artists already adapting to the changes. At his New York apartment, he tapped into his own creativity, throwing himself at transforming mannequin heads with materials at home.
Takuya, what inspired you to move to New York from Japan and how did you start in the hairdressing Industry?
I worked in Tokyo for over 10 years, but I wanted to change my environment since I was curious about the fashion world. I moved to NY in 2014 and started hair assistant for my boss (Akki)– he works in fashion. I was lucky to be his assistant.
Styling hair for runways models, celebrities, and editorial work. Your work has graced the covers of international publications as well. What kind of style/art inspires you?
Everything. I like any kind of magazines, shows, movies, pictures etc. I have no preference that much. I just like something beautiful or interesting.
While in isolation, you started a project by making 100 mannequin hairstyles in 100 days. How did this initiative start?
At first, I customized a normal mannequin head and put the styled hair wig. But I wanted to do something more unique and original which I only could do. So, I looked back at my previous works, then I found an old picture of my hair design made with paper which was awarded in a Japanese hair contest more than 10 years ago.
I thought “This is it!”. Then I started cutting plain white paper to make hairstyles. One style each day. I research references, think about the design, make it into a style, take photo, then post it to SNS and repeat it every day.
What does recyclable waste mean to you? How would you define it? What image/vision do you express when using recyclable products, peanuts, pasta, colors etc.?
Because I’m in quarantine, I needed to use everyday materials in my apartment, starting with plain paper and recyclable waste etc… – very simple reason. I just thought those hard material-like cans or bottles could be spiky hair like punk styles. So, I researched many of punk hairs and its history as well, that was great leaning for me. So, I can define it as “hairstyles inspired by the material”. Also peanuts and pasta are same – they were just in my kitchen, so the idea came up. Then, I think what I can do using those shape, color, and texture to make something beautiful. (But indeed, I used expired wasted – pastas, noodles and candies from nearby supermarket.)
Sustainability. Do you think that most of the waste that are used regularly/daily can be recyclable and used over again?
Plastic bags. I usually bring my bag and don’t get the plastic bags in stores.
While in isolation, how important is it to stay creative and keep up to date. Tell us more about you as an artist and how your work has changed during this time of self-reflection.
Not everything went well and most of the time I had to recreate it. I felt quite stuck both mentally and physically. But many times, I was encouraged by the words of my friends, colleagues, Instagram followers and my wife and I could keep on going. I also kept telling myself “this term should be great training time for my aesthetic for the future!”. I also re-recognized that I just love to create something.
An Artist at work, creating art out of hair, share with us your most memorable hair sculpture, the difficulties you faced and how you overcame them?
I don’t think I’m an “artist”, just a hair stylist who loves hair and making hairstyles. Gelatin hair was the most challenging – it doesn’t stay on the head long as it keeps melting. I had to make each style very quickly, in about 30 minutes. They collapsed so easily, I had to keep starting over and over again. I was just tenacious.
The construction process of an artistic hairstyle takes many days or months to complete. What was the time frame and what adhesive/fabrics do you use to maintain the heaviness of such products onto the mannequin heads?
It completely depends on the materials or styles. Like I said, the most of Gelatin hair that I have to cut and shape in 30 min. On the other hand, pasta big afro hair took 10 hours since it was hard to make shape. I used any kind of tools like adhesive glue, double side tape, pins, hair pins, wires, needles etc.
On completion of your project you have decided to publish this as an E-book. Can you define more?
Yes, it’s simple. E-book is easy to deliver to around the world. I’m happy if many people enjoy it as ease. It also avoids wasting paper resources.
They say you need to have an inspiration or a passion in order to do what you love. Where do you get your inspiration from, and what has been your most challenging style to make and why?
My inspiration comes from every beautiful or interesting things. I also lean from other people’s artworks as well. Most challenging style to make were gelatin hair and also slime hair. They keep melting or falling down, but I tried many times and got the hang of it. I was happy since the photos came out so beautiful!
How would you describe yourself and the kind of hairstylist you are?
I’m a normal hair stylist – no innate talent. So, I just keep leaning, always input and output.
