Yasuto Sasada - BE@RBRICK
Yasuto Sasada is a Japanese artist that is known for using finely tipped pens to create unbelievably intricate works of art that blend elements of nature, technology, and mythology. As Medicom Toy continued to expand their lineup of collaborations for their BE@BRICK line of figures, they eventually turned toward Sasada and his work to form a collaboration that resulted in the creation of the “BE@RBRICK Yasuto Sasada 1000%” figure, among others.
Yasuto Sasada x BE@RBRICK Collaboration Background
The collaboration between Yasuto Sasada and BE@RBRICK began in June 2017, where Sasada’s “Kujaku” (sometimes translated as “Peacock”) was recreated in the form of a classic BE@RBRICK figure. Today, there are two unique designs inspired by Sasada’s artwork, with the most recent release occurring in 2019.
Collaboration Planning and Launch
The original release of the “Kujaku” BE@RBRICK figure was available in both Medicom Toy’s standard 100% and 400% sizes. This set of figures was created to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Medicom Toy Plus, a concept store that opened in 2016 and sells a small, carefully curated selection of figures. Approximately one year later, a 1000% version of the figure would be released as well. In 2019, however, BE@RBRICK would collaborate with both Sasada and Ground Y to create a second version of Sasada’s “Kujaku”. Like the original release of the first figure, this figure was also made exclusive to Medicom Toy Plus and was available in both the 100% and 400% sizes.
BE@RBRICK Yasuto Sasada 1000%
This BE@RBRICK figure takes several bold and unique elements from Yasuto Sasada’s “Kujaku” and turns it into a massive 1000% BE@RBRICK figure that stands over two feet tall. The figure is completely covered in a pattern of red and blue arcs with the exception of the head, which houses a circular window that displays a strange, foreign planet. A few cherry blossom petals can also be seen scattered throughout the figure. The characteristic rounded ears of this BE@RBRICK figure share the alternating arc pattern as well. Like most other BE@RBRICK products, this unique figure is articulated in the arms and legs, which allows its user to give it several different poses.
- Product Name: BE@RBRICK Yasuto Sasada 1000%
- Series: BE@RBRICK
- Manufacturer: Medicom Toy
- Specifications: Painted and articulated figure
- Height (Approx.): 700 mm
About Yasuto Sasada
Yasuto Sasada is a Japanese artist from Okayama that was born in 1985. He first began his career as an artist in 2000 and is known for his use of ultra-fine pens to create large, complex patterns that fuse animals with the artificial, man-made aesthetic of technology. The first major breakthrough of his career happened in 2014, where he collaborated with Yohji Yamamoto, a highly regarded fashion designer that sought to use some of Sasada’s artistic elements in his fashion collection.
About Yasuto Sasada’s “Kujaku”
There are two works by Sasada that are titled “Kujaku”. The original “Kujaku” was made in 2016 and depicts a surrealistic peacock composed of bizarre, robotic parts and, much like a real peacock, has a large fan of “feathers” behind it with oddly colored patterns that resemble eyeballs along the top. The work is also decorated with a variety of gemstones and geometric patterns that only add to the intricacies of the work. The more recent “Kujaku” was finished in 2018 and shares several aspects with the original 2016 “Kujaku” That said, the latter is much larger and more intricate than the former, as the 2018 “Kujaku” is Sasada’s largest work to date.
Other Important Yasuto Sasada Artwork
Although both of Sasada’s “Kujaku” are likely his most well-known works, he has created several other pieces throughout his career. The next two sections will showcase a few of these works.
“Ninja Girl”
This work was created in 2016 and made with a combination of wood, paper, pens, and acrylic paint. The piece itself depicts a robotic woman clutching a sword to her chest as she stares ahead with tears in her eyes and a faint smile on her face. Like many other works by Sasada, this piece includes many engines, fans, and other intricately detailed mechanical parts. These intricacies are also contrasted with manga-style sound effects and bubbles, however, which only adds to Sasada’s unique style and flair.
“Sanyochu” (“Trilobite”)
“Sanyochu” is a work from 2016 that was made with simple paper and pencil and depicts a prehistoric trilobite as if it were completely composed of mechanical parts. Much of the creature is made up of turbines and vents while things like eyes and antennae are replaced with lenses and frayed chords respectively. All in all, it is a piece that wonderfully blends both nature and technology to create something unique.
Related Figures
Aside from the original red and blue “Kujaku” BE@RBRICK figure, a mainly monochromatic version was also produced as part of a collaboration with Ground Y. Other artists from around the world have also gotten BE@RBRICK figures inspired by their works as well, such as Andy Warhol’s “Marilyn Monroe”, Kaiju Artist Dan’s “Pogola”, and many more.
Links
BE@RBRICK Yasuto Sasada 1000%
BE@RBRICK Series
Marilyn Monroe Andy Warhol - BE@RBRICK
Pogola Dan - BE@RBRICK
BE@BRICK Label