New Work: Poster for Tōhoku
Harry Pearce was invited to contribute to a book and app by Art Tails, a group of professional artists and creators related to the community of Tōhoku, the region of Japan hardest hit by the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. As well as contributing several pieces of his work he also created this poster specifically for the project as an acknowledgement of the inspiration of two of his heroes, Hamada and Yanagi. With his contribution he sent the following thoughts:
I am so honoured to have been asked to contribute to your beautiful publication. As well as sending you three of my favourite pieces of work, I really wanted to create something particular for this publication. It’s my way of a little thank you for your collective inspiration.
The Japanese and eastern aesthetic has been a major influence on my career and life. For a very long time the vision and insights of Shoji Hamada and Soetsu Yanagi have been a particular inspiration to me.
They taught me where to look for feeling and truth, in myself and my work. Many of your great artists and designers are so knowing in the truest sense. As an acknowledgement to you all I have taken a beautiful quote from Hamada, “Beauty is not in the head or in the heart, but in the abdomen,” and created this poster in his and your honour.
No matter the hardships your beautiful country is suffering, your spirit and vision will endure.
—Harry Pearce
Project Team: Harry Pearce, partner-in-charge and designer, Sean Chilvers, designer.