ok okapi

Following its acclaimed London debut, OK OKAPI by Martin Andersen and Chris Bigg arrives in Tokyo, bringing together two designers whose work has helped define the visual language of contemporary music.

The work of 4AD Records and the design studio "v23"—led by Vaughan Oliver—has garnered a passionate following in Japan for years, thanks to its inventive, experimental, delicate, and surreal approach. The relationship between Andersen and Bigg, which began with their meeting at v23, has continued to evolve through their shared teaching roles at the University of Brighton and collaborations with artists such as the Pixies, The Breeders, Lush, Kim Deal, the Miki Berenyi Trio, David Sylvian, and Piroshka.

Special Event at Warm-up Bar "Shibuya Oiran"

We are also collaborating with "Shibuya Oiran," a warm-up bar that champions a unique music culture in Shibuya. On the exhibition's opening day—Thursday, October 1—an official party will be held at the Oiran bar alongside the reception party at the gallery. You can also enjoy a limited-time exhibition at Shibuya Oiran itself.

<Event Overview>

OK OKAPI meets SHIBUYA OIRAN

Dates: October 1 (Thu) – November 3 (Thu), 2026

Hours: Thursday–Tuesday, from 19:00 (Closed Wednesdays)

Website:https://oiran.asia/

◾️ Official Party

October 1, 2026 (Thu) from 21:00 *Artist scheduled to be present

Cover Charge: 1,000 yen (includes one drink)

◾️Artist Information

MARTIN ANDERSEN

Martin Andersen is an internationally renowned art director, designer, and photographer with a distinguished career spanning over two decades. He studied at the Royal College of Art, earning his MA in Visual Communication before embarking on a successful journey in the creative industry. Martin’s work has garnered over 20 international awards in film, animation, design, and photography, solidifying his reputation as a visionary in the field.

Early in his career, Martin collaborated with renowned designer Vaughan Oliver at v23, contributing to iconic imagery in contemporary popular music. This experience laid the foundation for Martin to establish his own award-winning studio, where he continued to push boundaries and innovate in visual storytelling. His directorial projects for Channel 4, Discovery Channel, and ITV, as well as music videos for acclaimed artists like The Breeders, Lush, Iceage, and Lowly, have captivated audiences worldwide.

In 2020, Martin published his first photography book, “Can’t Smile Without You”, which was featured on The BBC, ESPN,The Guardian, It’s Nice That, The Face, Creative Review, i-D, and the British Journal of Photography. He is currently working on two new photo books to be published in 2027. He is currently the Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Communication Design at Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts (CSVPA)

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CHRIS BIGG

Chris Bigg has extensive experience in all areas of creative art directing including; design, photography, typography, mark making and calligraphy. He has worked in all aspects of music packaging creating cover art, special editions, posters, press ads, merchandising, production and moving image, as well as book and exhibition design.

Chris has worked extensively with the British independent record label 4AD, where, as Senior Designer, working for many years as assistant to Vaughan Oliver he worked on producing iconic covers for bands such as The Breeders, Dead Can Dance, The Wolfgang Press, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Lush and Belly.

Since, 2004, Chris has run his own studio. Recent projects include; Graphic Designer for David Sylvian’s Samadhisound Record Label, including a 600-page publication Hypergraphia: writings of David Sylvian 1980-2014 (2015), Doctors, Dissection and Resurrection Men at the Museum of London (2013), Diaghilev and the Golden Age of the Ballet Russe at the V&A, London (2011), as well as work for David Lynch, Scott Walker, Sinead O’Connor, Stefano Guzzetti, Nico Muhly, Aldous Harding, Adrian Sherwood to name a few. Chris Bigg worked as a Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design, in the School of Art at the University of Brighton.