We are excited to announce that a new art piece by Japanese artist Kansuke Akaike entitled “Cool Runnings” is now available on our site. We have released two limited edition versions of this piece, including a regular one, and a special edition in which each piece has a one of a kind colour-way. Both were created by the artist using intricate stencils and an airbrush with acrylic paint.
The Olympics and Paralympics, which were postponed last year, are finally opening on September 23rd in Tokyo. There has been much discussion about this gigantic sporting event in recent days due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The artist felt that the timing is apt for these pieces to be released because of their Olympic theme and because the events will take place in his home country.
Another inspiration for this artwork was the popular and hilarious 90s movie “Cool Runnings”. The movie, was released in 1993, is loosely based on the true story of the Jamaican bobsled team who first participated in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The four athletes are depicted sitting in a bathtub, due to lack of equipment and training facilities. Since Jamaica is a tropical country without snow, the athletes must visualize themselves on the bobsled run as the main part of their training.
The sporting world had been put on hold for a while because of the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s return is much appreciated for those who were feeling a severe lack of entertainment in their lives. Now is the time to persevere, use our imaginations and envision a bright future just like these four young men. We hope that Kansuke’s works of art will inspire you and bring some positive energy into your life.
Cool Runnings
Medium: Stencil, spray paint with acrylic paint on paper
Size: 540 × 380 mm (21.26 × 14.96 inch)
Edition: 3
Signed and numbered
COA: Exist
Year of creation: 2021
¥ 20,000
Purchase HERE
Cool Runnings (Gold Edition)
Medium: Stencil, spray paint with acrylic paint on paper
Size: 540 × 380 mm (21.26 × 14.96 inch)
Edition: 1
Signed and numbered
COA: Exist
Year of creation: 2021
Sold Out
Cool Runnings (Silver Edition)
Medium: Stencil, spray paint with acrylic paint on paper
Size: 540 × 380 mm (21.26 × 14.96 inch)
Edition: 1
Signed and numbered
COA: Exist
Year of creation: 2021
Sold Out
Kansuke Akaike
Kansuke Akaike is an artist who was born in Kyoto, Japan in 1974. His stencil art, delicately depicting realistic expressions of his subjects has been showcased at solo and group exhibitions both within and outside of Japan. His first solo exhibition outside of Japan “Dogs and Drive” took place in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2007. He changed his base from Tokyo to Shizuoka in 2015. Kansuke then opened his solo show “The Sea for Everyone” in Kanagawa. This show had a theme of highlighting the issue of marine debris in our oceans. In addition to these shows, Kansuke designed posters for Wheelchair Basketball World Challenge Cup 2018 and the Hi-STANDARD x Sky Perfect TV #playthegift Campaign. He started his project “Stay Home Art Project” in April, 2020 where he has been posting portraits of celebrities requested by his Instagram followers
Kansuke Akaike official site
Kansuke Akaike Instagram