BAPE Kicks Off 30-Year Anniversary with BAPE GALLERY in Beijing
Celebrating the Japanese streetwear label’s indelible impact with a global art tour.
Established in 2002, BAPE GALLERY by A BATHING APE has worked and exhibited with internationally renowned names like Hajime Sorayama, KAWS and FUTURA to bridge fashion with art, culture, music and more. To celebrate 30 years of BAPE in 2023, the gallery invited 12 emerging and established artists worldwide to create 16 never-before-seen artworks highlighting the monumental cultural influence of the Japanese streetwear label.
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The global art tour premieres in Beijing at the iconic Parkview Green, with a fashion-and-art experience spanning 5,200 sq ft across two stories. The first floor of the exhibition is the BAPE ART space, which spotlights the artworks including a special display by SHARK SEIJIN as well as three sculptures by Indonesian artist Arkiv Vilmansa. Inspired by the classic camouflage pattern and iconic APE HEAD logo, the pieces all pay tribute to BAPE’s roots as a disruptor and trailblazer.
Adam Lister, BAPE Head Yellow & Black, 2021
Alvaro Ilizarbe, BAPE x Ilizarbe ABC Camo Blue, 2022
Arkiv Vilmansa, Paradise, 2022
Arkiv Vilmansa, Arkiv Camo, 2022
Eric Inkala, BAPE x ERICKINK ABC Camo Green, 2021
Jasper Wong, Only Have Eyes On You (Black_White), 2021
LILKOOL, Untitled, 2021
Oso de Agua, Color Multiverse, 2021
Sam Taylor, Untitled, 2021
SHARK SEIJIN, BAPE Multi Camo, 2021
Simone Legno, Ice Tiger Camo, 2021
Steven Harrington, A Bathing Mello, 2023
Tomotatsu Gima, BAPE Ape Head Pop (ABC Camo Green), 2021
The colorful renditions of BAPE iconography showcased the pixelated paint technique of Adam Lister, gridded line work of Alvaro Ilizarbe and SHARK SEIJIN’s psychedelic style. Eric Inkala took the opportunity to venture into patterns for the first time, while LILKOOL and Oso de Agua stayed with graffiti and abstract approaches respectively. Tomotatsu Gima recreated BAPE motifs using cardboard, while Jasper Wong transformed the signature camo print into faces with huge eyes. Sam Taylor, Simone Legno, Steven Harrington and Vilmansa all featured their iconic cartoon characters.
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Going beyond the physical, the (B)APETAVERSE zone explores the brand’s classic elements like the APE HEAD through immersive digital experiences, with limited-edition artworks displayed on interactive screens.
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Avid collectors can keep a lookout for the BAPE PLAY figurines and art toys on display, collected over the years since the brand’s founding. In addition to the collection of BABY MILO metal statues that will be unveiled at the exhibition, the lineup of collaborative 1000% BE@RBRICKs (including one special model by Sorayama) and collectible skateboards highlight BAPE’s ever-playful personality across 30 years.
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The BAPE HOME space features homeware designed in collaboration with FABRICK and KARIMOKU. From the ABC camo sofa, folding table and square bookcase, to pillows, coffee tables, skateboards and more, the showcase demonstrates how BAPE’s DNA can be integrated into everyday contemporary lifestyles. Prints of featured artworks from the BAPE ART space will also be on display and available for sale.
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Sneakerheads will be drawn to the wall of BAPE STAs and can cop the latest Spring/Summer styles for themselves. Those looking to take a piece of the exhibition home can also pre-order limited edition SHARK SEIJIN figurines and BAPE HOME furniture, as well as purchase exclusive (B)APETAVERSE apparel on-site.
BAPE GALLERY BEIJING will run from January 12 to June 30, before moving on to New York, London and Tokyo.
BAPE GALLERY BEIJING
Parkview Green FangCaoDi
No. 9 Dong Da Qiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Opening hours: 10:00AM to 10:00PM, Monday to Sunday
