Artwork for the LP: Nue - Bokeh

Takashi Tsuzuki's collab with rapper Ryoff Karma and producer TAKANOME, three artists with distinct backgrounds coming together for a new sound, a new flow.

The collaboration is titled Nue, and their first release is Bokeh, twelve tracks of unclassifiable sound that intrigue and delight. Funky, sometimes sparse and sometimes a wall of sound.

 

In Japanese folklore, NUE is a mythical creature. 

Whilst working on this project I got to read about the Yokai - supernatural entities and spirits in Japan. What is interesting is that Nue is one of the oldest yokai recorded, having its first appearance in the Kojiki (712 CE).
With it being the title of the project, I wanted Nue to be the inspiration for the cover design.

Because the artwork is for a CD, it is quite small, around 12.5 x 12.5 cm.

Because I wanted to get the most impact and decided to concentrate upon a face rather than a full figure. In looking at Yokai references, I discovered so many great images from the Noh, Horimono and Oni traditions.
With Nue being a shapeshifter or Chimera, I decided to use a stunning Noh mask of a red demon. As a reference to the future and technology, a Noh mask splits open to reveal a cybernetic machine.

As a monster, it is nocturnal and only seen at night and accompanied by black clouds.
In the design, I have surrounded my Cyborg-Nue with black smoke.

For the logo, I took inspiration from the title for the LP = BOKEH.
The term comes from the Japanese word boke (暈け or ボケ), which means "blur" or "haze". 

TAKASHI TSUZUKI : Composer, Producer

RYOFF KARMA : Rap

TAKANOME : Engineer, Producer