FLOWER POWER
August Man SG|Issue 187
Tay himself took an interest in Murakami’s work, explaining, “I first met Murakami in 2009 when he was interested in identifying ways in which he could use the wristwatch as a medium to express his art.
JONATHAN HO
FLOWER POWER

VISIT MALMAISON AT KNIGHTSBRIDGE or his offices in Tong Building and one will undoubtedly discover that horology and art are twin passions of Michael Tay, CEO of The Hour Glass Singapore. Hence, it was with little surprise that during an interview with Takashi Murakami in the artistic The Standard, High Line hotel nestled in the heart of New York’s Meatpacking district, that the jovial artist (with a dark side – we’ll get to that later) explained Mr. Tay’s involvement in encouraging him to say yes to a collaboration with Swiss watchmaker Hublot.

Nothing eventuated from it but we maintained contact and as an art collector himself, I appreciated his views on other artists. When discussing with Ricardo Guadalupe [Hublot CEO] and Miwa Sakai [Asia Pacific Regional Director at Hublot, Japan] the prospective roster of artists that Hublot could collaborate with, his name was put forward and the rest as we know it is history.”

Oriental yet occidental, Murakami is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of his generation and an undeniable impact on the world of contemporary art. His blend of traditional Japanese art and contemporary pop culture has inspired countless artists and designers, and his unique vision has helped to shape the aesthetic of the 21st century. One of the most iconic aspects of Murakami’s art is his use of “Superflat” theory, a term he coined to describe the flattened, two-dimensional quality of traditional Japanese art – exemplified by the flat, simplified shapes and bold, graphic lines that give his works a highly stylised, almost cartoon-like quality.

This story is from the Issue 187 edition of August Man SG.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Issue 187 edition of August Man SG.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM AUGUST MAN SGView All
The New Rules Of Corporate
August Man SG

The New Rules Of Corporate

There's A Lot More To G2000 Today Than Just That Black Suit.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
A Clear Vision Of The Future
August Man SG

A Clear Vision Of The Future

With the proliferation of its Myopia Centres, local eyecare brand W Optics is keeping Singaporeans clear-sighted for the future.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
Paradise Foud
August Man SG

Paradise Foud

It's time to give tuning out its due. We all need a break from the group chat(s).

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
Santos De Cartier: A New Era
August Man SG

Santos De Cartier: A New Era

Originally A Way Of Intertwining The Cartier Brand With The Daring Spirit Of Aviation, It Now Stands As An Icon Of Luxury And Elegance.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
The Future Will Be Pixelated, Probably
August Man SG

The Future Will Be Pixelated, Probably

What are the implications on one's lived experience as online life is rife with meaning and possibilities?

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
GROWING PAINS
August Man SG

GROWING PAINS

AT MILAN FASHION WEEK, ONITSUKA TIGER UNVEILED ITS SPRING/SUMMER 2025 COLLECTION, WHICH TOUCHES ON A SUBJECT EACH OF US IS MORE THAN FAMILIAR WITH.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
A Watch For The Global Citizen
August Man SG

A Watch For The Global Citizen

Before you make your travel plans for 2025, get the perfect watch for the modern nomad.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
MAKING INVESTING MORE DELICIOUS
August Man SG

MAKING INVESTING MORE DELICIOUS

FINANCE INDUSTRY VETERAN WALTER DE OUDE IS COMBINING HIS ERUDITION AND EXPERIENCE WITH THE STAR POWER OF HENRY GOLDING TO BRING US AN INVESTMENT PLATFORM THAT'S MUCH SWEETER THAN MOST.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?
August Man SG

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

ONE-THIRD OF HOUSEHOLDS around the world have a pet dog.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)
How Does A Hotel Brand Become The Best In The World?
August Man SG

How Does A Hotel Brand Become The Best In The World?

Cristiano Rinaldi, president of Capella Hotel Group, shares its recipe for success.

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 207 (November 2024)