FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Brooklyn, New York – September 5th, 2011)

graphite. is pleased to announce “We Are Nocturnal”, a collection of artworks by famed designer and artist Kenzo Minami.

Through works in his upcoming show, Minami portrays a world that has surpassed its time—a world that was destined to end according to Nostradamus, The Book of the Law, the Antikythera mechanism, eschatology, and the like. Somehow, the world has cheated its own death and has moved into nightfall, the eventual midnight hour of humanity. As the hands of the Doomsday Clock continue to tick, we humans have slowly adapted to becoming nocturnal beings.

Originally from Hyogo, Japan, Kenzo graduated from Parsons School of Design with a BFA in product design. He started as a set designer for TV broadcasts such as MTV and Sci-Fi Channel, which formed his career as art director, director, and motion graphic designer for the next 7 years. He also collaborated in multiple projects as interface designer with the media lab of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Minami was featured as an artist in multiple publications including The New York Times Magazine, V Magazine, Men’s Vogue, Dazed and Confused, and W Magazine, among many others. He was the first artist commissioned for a mural painting in Nike’s first art project space in New York City, as well as another show of Nike at Chelsea Art Museum. He had his first solo exhibit “Codex 408”, which included his mural painting, prints, and video work, at The Aquos Project in Soho, New York City. Another solo show “REMAKES” was held at The Gallery at Soho Grand Hotel, presented by Grandlife and Print Magazine in 2009.

For his vision and artistry, Minami continues to be recognized by renowned arts councils. He was selected for the show FAMOUS CARS + FAMOUS PEOPLE, alongside Andy Warhol, Robert Longo, and David Hockney. He was also acknowledged as one of the young minds celebrated in “Johnnie Walker Blue Label Celebrates 35 Under 35,” which shed light to stars across a wide spectrum of disciplines including artists, writers, music executives, comedians, and designers. His design KENZO MINAMI DUNNY, collaboration with Kidrobot, is a part of MoMA permanent Architecture and Design collection. Minami started his own garment project line in the spring of 2004. He currently lives and works in New York City.

www.kenzominami.com www.kenzominami.tumblr.com www.twitter.com/KenzoMinami