"TAIYAKI" is an art piece inspired by the structure of the traditional Japanese pastry, Taiyaki. The top and bottom layers that enclose the "filling" are made from vegetable-tanned leather, shaped from a single piece without any seams, demonstrating a high level of technical craftsmanship. Despite its simple appearance, the construction of the piece is remarkably sophisticated.
The parts where the "filling" seems to overflow are not just details, but a part of the overall humor that the work embodies. Misawa, while working within the form of a shoe, aims to give viewers a sense of lightness and playfulness. The playful elements embedded in the form go beyond just being a shoe, adding depth to it as an art piece.
The idea for "TAIYAKI" came to Misawa while he was eating a Taiyaki. This inspiration from an everyday moment illustrates how a small spark of insight can be transformed into art.
Additionally, Misawa's pace of creating large works is typically limited to one or two pieces per year. In between these larger projects, he also creates works purely for enjoyment and relaxation. "TAIYAKI" is one of these pieces, created to fully embrace the joy of playfulness. This work carries Misawa's unique artistic perspective, transcending the boundaries of traditional footwear and blending them with a fresh, artistic vision.
