The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2022 - Issue 32

bitefashionart Horeekei’s work consists of Dragon (Ryu), Gamut of Emotions (Kidairaku), Majesty (Ifudodo), Destiny (Unmet) and Demon (Oni). The artist revealed the true symbolism of the dragon: “Unlike in Western cultures, the dragon in Japan is not seen as a terrifying beast but as a symbol of wisdom and strength. It is the embodiment of untamed nature and supernatural power. It is a popular motif in traditional Japanese tattooing and has featured in traditional Japanese art for centuries.” In Gamut of Emotions, the chrysanthemum is the symbol of Japan. "It is a complex flower whose beauty derives from imper- fection," Horeekei explained. "It is also a symbol of death and things coming to an end. There is an idea deeply entrenched in Japanese culture that real beauty only exists in transient things. Autumn marks the end but also signifies new beginnings, and it is thought to be the most beautiful season." The peony is considered the king of flowers and is used in Jap- anese tattooing to symbolise good fortune, bravery and honour captured in Majesty. “Many of the Suikoden heroes in Japanese art are tattooed with this flower as it demonstrates the strength and a devil-may-care attitude. The flowers are usually depict- ed as red or pink, alluding to passion and strength. The snake, unlike in the West, is viewed in a positive light within Japa- nese culture, and it signifies good luck, wisdom and protection against misfortune.” Destiny portrays the koi (Japanese carp) as a symbol of perse- verance and courage. "It swims upstream until it reaches the top of the stream and ascends to the heavens in the form of a dragon. The ginkgo leaf symbolises longevity and profound endurance and is the emblem of Tokyo, the artist's home. The hand-painted kanji translates to design. We cannot control our destinies, but we can perhaps steer them in the right direction with perseverance and courage.” Horeekei’s artwork Demon centres on the octopus, a symbol of complexity, diversity and change in Japanese culture. “It can change shape and disguise itself when faced with danger. The creature also famously features in Hokusai’s erotic shunga, ‘The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife’. The kanji (oni) means devil or demon. The octopus was often referred to as a ‘devil fish’ by sailors due to its appearance.” UK artist Sophia Tea’s art has exploded in popularity and de- sire over the last few years. Her hallmark piece, Compliments, is currently in her famous bright pink Carnaby Street art gallery in London. She also has a giant warehouse in Sydney with a re- lentless demand for her Nudes & Hearts. The desire to paint her sought-after piece grew during the pandemic, with many peo- ple searching for reminders of love and strength in their homes. London-based Rich Simmons has exhibited at some of the world’s most prestigious galleries in London, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto and Geneva. His bold use of colour, intricately detailed hand-cut stencils, sense of humour and thought-provoking narratives run through his work. One of his latest pieces is Blow My Mind, a pop art-style spray paint on the canvas of a woman with a dandelion puff and butterflies on wires mounted on the back. Romain, aka Punkmetender (taken from his two major influ- ences, Daft Punk and Elvis Presley), is a Parisian born in the ‘80s who emigrated to Los Angeles in early 2000 and created his uniquely distinctive and colourful hand-painted designs from his workshop. He was introduced to street art by Thiery Guetta, widely known as Mr Brainwash. In Punkmetender’s eventual fine art and mural installation, butterflies have become con- stant in his artwork since they represent freedom, spirit and beauty. A few years ago, the artist created a mural of three-dimensional butterfly shapes appearing as if they were flying to symbolise the spiritual and physical connection. They were designed to invite the viewer into the art, to be a part of it by taking pictures or being close to it and ultimately be inspired to imagine their reality. His three pieces featured on the iconic classic Burberry Macs are Fake Art #1, Fake Art #2 and Fake Art #3, featuring psychedelic rich colours. Sophie Mess is a UK-based artist and designer who paints won- drously vibrant botanical-inspired murals. Her work has been seen in Italy, Sweden, Brazil, France, and the UK. Her dreamy large-scale artworks bring colour and joy to buildings, interiors and exteriors. Cool ultraviolet tones flourish with flashes of hot nature-inspired colours bringing beautiful supersized flowers, wild birds and inspiring words to life. Gent London artists’ works are available online on their web- site. www.gent.london Art On Trench Coats