Dec 20, 2010 12:00AM

David Byrne Exhibition in Tokyo

Talking Heads frontman David Byrne has a solo show of film, painting, holograms and sound art in Tokyo.

David Byrne is best known as the frontman of new wave band Talking Heads, but he's a jack of all trades. He's written and starred in operas, is a dedicated cyclist and a visual artist with a prolific output.

Currently showing at Vacant in Tokyo is an exhibition of his solo work. On the ground floor of the gallery you can watch a grainy film about musicians signed to his record label Luaka Bop. Founded in 1990 with the intention of releasing Latin American compilations, the label has grown to include music from Cuba, Africa and the Far East, releasing the work of Os Mutantes (who are coming to our shores soon for Golden Plains festival) and Cornershop. Arranged on a table nearby is an assortment of printed matter - both books that Byrne has authored (Bicycle Diaries) and books that he admires (African Art in Motion and African Rhythm and Sensibility).

Upstairs there are three huge paintings of melted pink plastic faces representing political figures - Saddam Hussein, Bush Senior and Bush Junior. There are also large scale holograms that see balls of shredded paper transforming into brains. The loquacious but aptly titled Guitar Pedal Board Installation: ninety-six distortion petals mounted to two wood panels with black converter box is just as you would expect. Revelers are invited to walk, run, jump and skip over the pedals, creating unparalleled aural pandemonium.

If you're in Japan over the Christmas season, it's a spot of culture worth checking out. The exhibition runs until 26 December.

News & Features

MBFWA 2013 x Mark Vassallo Casting Part Two

Six faces you'll be seeing all over Fashion Week — Holly-Rose, Alys Hale, Jackson Rado and more!


Oyster Interview: Brooke Candy

We profile the stripper turned rapper who is out to blow your mind.


MBFWA 2013 x Oyster Collaborator: Byron Spencer

Meet another one of our exciting Fashion Week contributors.


MBFWA 2013 x Mark Vassallo Casting Part One

Get to know the faces you'll be seeing on the runway this season.


Jingle Jangle's 4th Birthday & Playlist

Listen to their 'Flute Salad' mix.


MBFWA 2013 Studio Visit: Vanishing Elephant

They have dogs in their office. DOGS IN THEIR OFFICE.


Gary Bigeni Interview

We speak with the designer about his SS13/14 collection.


MBFWA 2013 x Oyster Collaborator: Renee Warne & Gibson Fox

Meet the creative couple dream team who are going to be contributing to Oyster online throughout Fashion Week.


Oyster Playlist: Levins' Top 10 Halfway Crooks Anthems

Four years of Halfway Crooks — celebrate at Phoenix Bar this Saturday.


Charlie Is Leaving 'Girls'

After actor Christopher Abbott clashed with Lena Dunham.


Watch: Beyoncé Relives Her Best Moments for Pepsi

Plus she previews a snippet from her new single.


MBFWA 2013 Studio Visit: Zambesi

A sneak peak inside the NZ label's HQ!


MBFWA 2013 Studio Visit: Elissa McGowan

We visit the young designer before her debut show at Fashion Week.


Dion Lee Line II AW13 Lookbook

Shot by Bowen Arico featuring Marthe Wiggers.


Oyster Fashion: Michael Ozone Styled by Mark Vassallo & Shot by Byron Spencer

Starring the musical genius who is directing the soundtrack for Emma Mulholland's MBFWA show.


ASOS Supplying Shoes for Emma Mulholland & We Are Handsome's MBFWA Shows

And you can shop them straight from the runway!


Stevie Dance Pop Quiz

For the launch of Topshop Australia's 'Edited By' concept.


Top 10: Clutches

Featuring the best purses from Charlotte Olympia, Stella McCartney, Jil Sander and more.


Nicola Formichetti Leaves Thierry Mugler

He steps down as the label's creative director.


Courtney Love, Kim Gordon, Marilyn Manson & Ariel Pink for Saint Laurent

See the 'Saint Laurent Music Project' campaign shot by Hedi Slimane.


The Journal: Wheels & Dollbaby x Rene Vaile

We shoot the Winter 2013 collection — highway motel style.


Watch: 'No Problems' by Azealia Banks

A wild Steve Aoki and Diplo appear.


Top 10: March OhLike

All of the things!


Oyster Words: Indian Spiritual Leader Amma

For our Peace Issue, we speak with the woman has hugged more than 32 million people.


Oyster Playlist: Levins' Favourite R&B Songs From The Last Decade

To get the party started for Hoops & Love Kings: An Easter R&B Supperclub at Goodgod this Sunday.


Watch: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola & Léa Seydoux's Entire Short Film for Prada Candy

All three episodes finally together in perfect harmony.