Meet the incredible bike-riding performance artist Eijiro Miyama
James Greig | August 20, 2013
I just discovered an incredible bike-riding outsider artist called Eijiro Miyama, who is also known in Japan as Boshi Ojisan or “Hat Uncle”.
Miyama makes weekly appearances in the Yokohama district of his native Mie Prefecture, meandering through the crowds on his bike dressed in incredible and ever-changing outfits, with messages of peace attached to his back. His headgear, constructed from dolls, toys and other recycled objects from flea markets is the undoubted star of the show.
Why does he do it? Well, according to one article I read, “One day, about ten years ago, Eijiro Miyama walked around with a cup of instant noodles on his head. People turned to stare as he went by. This act, provocative and liberating, gave him a huge feeling of exaltation”.
I don’t want to ask too many questions of his art though. Hit play on the video below and enjoy the sheer exuberance of his creations.
“Twenty-three years ago, I settled in a tiny room in Yokohama and started making hats. It began with decorating instant-noodle bowls and wearing them on my head. My hat adornments come from everywhere: strangers, friends, flea markets, magazines, the trash. A friend once described my hats as collections of small, weak and ephemeral things that express softness and gentleness. I recycle parts so no one hat lasts long. Some hats can weigh up to 7kg. They used to be heavier, but I had to tone it down.”
Posted to Journal
by James Greig
