Get ready to vibe with the Chrome X AIKO capsule! We caught up with the renowned street artist who’s been lighting up city centers globally with her incredible large-scale artwork.
We sat down with AIKO to dig into the inspiration behind this iconic collaboration, showcasing her vibrant style infused with Chrome’s most loved designs.
CHROME: Of all the numerous art forms one could pursue, what was it about street art / graffiti that inspired you to devote your own creative passions to this particular style?
AIKO: I’ve been an artist all my life, since I was a child and when I came to the United States from Japan in the late 90’s to seek out opportunities in the arts, I fell into a group of graffiti and street artists by happenstance. While I was pursuing an MFA in media studies at The New School, I began documenting their work as a member of their crew but soon found myself needing to paint with them as well. After parting ways, I developed my own unique style, which is what the world sees today.
CHROME: How would you describe yourself and your artistic vision?
AIKO: For me, it’s all about being playful and to express myself on a grand scale. My stature may be small, so I create work that’s larger than life. I am into energy, color and femininity. My goal is for people to get a sense of joy from the characters and sexual positivity.
CHROME: Many of your works feature bold, expressive imagery. What do these symbols represent, and what do you want people to take away from them
AIKO: One of my most notable images, the butterfly girls, have been my alter ego coming from my fantasy world. Wherever I go, I try to create a light-hearted reality, full of happiness, laughter and seduction. My work is usually very colorful, and I believe that the tones and hues are like medicine. It gives people an energy that everyone can enjoy.
CHROME: What is the legacy you hope to leave behind through your art? What do you want people to remember or learn from it?
AIKO: I believe that what’s important is the moment. Street art and graffiti have an ephemeral quality, so they are difficult to preserve. I’d rather everyone feel joy right now. But if there is something I wanted my audience to remember is that all my stencils are cut by my hand and that a majority of my paintings are sprayed by myself.
CHROME: Can you tell us more about your Signature Bunny and what the Bunny represents to you?
AIKO: My first bunny stencil was created at Banksy’s studio in London in 2005. Ever since then I have been hopping with the Bunny all over the world. I was also born in the year of the rabbit, and it is a symbol of long life and success in Asian cultures. But for me, it is also a symbol of peace, love and female independence. We leave our mark across many countries and cultures. It’s a relatable character that has a sense of exuberance that I can stencil anywhere, at any size.
CHROME: What role do you think public art plays in shaping urban spaces, and how do you see your work contributing to that?
AIKO: To my understanding, public art, street art and graffiti are all different forms. Public art is more like statues in parks and installations. The fundamental difference is that there’s permission behind them while street art and graffiti doesn’t necessarily mean that they are approved. It’s much more rebellious, which is what I prefer. I also enjoy the idea of taking a derelict place and making it interesting and attractive.
CHROME: Are there any social or political themes you aim to address through your work, and how do you approach those subjects?
AIKO: I try to remain apolitical because I don’t feel the need to be divisive. I am creating a fantasy world that is open to any viewer. It’s a form of escapism from a world saddled with countless troubles.
CHROME: What inspired you to collaborate with Chrome Industries, and how does their brand align with your artistic vision?
AIKO: I consider myself to be a tough and gritty artist who has spent the past few decades on the streets, and I feel Chrome Industries has the same tenacity. Much like a bike messenger, functionality was the key. I feel Chrome Industries has that same grit and it shows in their products.
CHROME: How does the urban lifestyle, which is core to Chrome Industries, resonate with your work as an artist?
AIKO: I have spent most of my life in cities, from Tokyo, to New York, to even Johannesburg, so at my core, I understand the toughness of the streets and the need to be resilient.
CHROME: Many of your murals and public art pieces are vibrant and bold. How did you ensure that this energy translated into a commercial product?
AIKO: I’ve had many years of practice, and I know my craft so transposing images, characters and iconography to commercial products, while still maintaining their integrity, is something that I strive for.
CHROME: What do you hope Chrome’s audience will feel or take away when they see and use products featuring your designs?
AIKO: My aim is to invoke beauty, durability and confidence. I have traveled the globe with those feelings, and you can do the same with Chrome Industries.
CHROME: How do you think this collaboration fits within the broader context of your artistic career and evolution?
AIKO: As an artist, I am always growing. Chrome Industries' evolution as a company and my journey through the art world seem to have paralleled and I'm happy that we can intersect now and collaborate. Hopefully, we can grow together.
