Tokyo Remix
Work Note
In graphic design, “typicality” has long been a central interest and theme in Sangjoon Hwang’s work. While the term can carry a negative connotation—suggesting something “formulaic” or “conventional”—it also refers to a shared sensibility that spans across nations, societies, and historical periods.
Through this project (TokyoRemix), he presents a fragmented arrangement of images of Tokyo, as remembered by a foreigner. By placing images from disparate axes into deliberate collision, he aims to expose the strangeness and ambiguous boundaries that emerge. At the same time, this work also serves as a formal experiment.
On December 25, 2023 🗼, a collection of small graphic experiments was exhibited at Territory Gallery in Tokyo. Under the theme of “typicality,” Sangjoon Hwang explored the collision of fragmented images of Tokyo. He conducted formal experiments remixing visuals and text from Japanese political campaign posters and purikura (photo booth stickers). 🤖 All human figures were created using the generative AI tool Midjourney. Elements typically found in election posters—such as portraits and slogans—were transformed into small purikura stickers, while the posters themselves featured mismatched figures such as gyaru, Toyoko kids, hosts, and delinquent girls.