Open it to discover heart-fluttering beauty. Nail art crafted with the highest level of technology: "LOCKET NAILS"

"NEWSPACE" is a project where an up-and-coming art director pursues expression by combining a free-form approach unbound by media or genre with visual ideas. We've previously introduced prototypes utilizing diverse concepts and techniques. The third installment is "LOCKET NAILS," nail art that attaches a door to the fingernail.

This time, art director Aya Maeda has realized a concept from her student days at a high level. She reveals the background behind "LOCKET NAILS" and its future applications.

Nail art changes your mindset

I've always been fascinated by nail art as a form of wearable art you can see every day, anywhere. As a child, I had a habit of picking at my nails when I felt anxious or bored. But when I started doing nail art as an adult, I found looking at and touching my nails became enjoyable and interesting.

The concept for LOCKET NAILS originated during my student days. I imagined infusing the ultimate personal space (the nails) with a world known only to me, evoking feelings of excitement, poignancy, and complexity. I always wanted to properly create it someday. Participating in NEWSPACE made it possible to bring this vision to life.

As an art piece co-created with the highest level of craftsmanship

The frame and door are made of brass. I was introduced to Mr. Akira Kusano, who taught at Tokyo University of the Arts' Metal Engraving Department, and his assistant, Ms. Nao Mizutani. We immediately began discussing the production method. Thanks to their knowledge and high technical skill, they realized intricate and delicate metal parts, including microscopic triple-curved surfaces and hinges that open and close.

The gel nails were created by AKIRA from Nail Salon AVARICE, a world champion in hand-painted nails, and AMA, who works in New York. After seeing their work on Instagram and thinking, "Their skills are clearly extraordinary," I visited them as a customer and directly asked for their collaboration.

Given their strong nature as one-of-a-kind art pieces, each is completed without compromise as a masterpiece of extraordinary craftsmanship. We also envision holding a "NEWSPACE" exhibition, hoping to someday show the actual pieces to everyone.

Moving forward, I want to create each piece by considering the wearer or brand concept, perhaps collaborating with artists or fashion brands. I'm also thinking about expanding into video and still works, as well as events, so I'd be thrilled if you reached out.

From portraits to rice balls: The world of "LOCKET NAILS"

Please view the "LOCKET NAILS" collection.

Playing on the word "NEWSPACE," imagine an infinite universe unfolding within the nail. Open the natural pink door, like your own nail, and a galaxy spreads out.

The intricate openwork, meticulously cut with a jigsaw, showcases exceptionally high metal engraving skills. Hearing about this technique, I commissioned a design inspired by a birdcage.
From left: Jade Parakeet, Scarlet Macaw, Hummingbird, Yellow-crested Cockatoo, Goldfinch. The image of a classic locket pendant holding a family photo. The front decoration is crafted with metal engraving.

Opening the rice grain made of Swarovski crystals and pearl beads reveals the onigiri filling. From left: sesame seeds, salmon, plum, kelp, salmon roe.

I want to run straight toward that flutter of excitement.

As an art director, I get to be involved in the output for almost every project. Or rather, I have to be. No matter how many conditions or constraints an ad campaign has, I constantly ask myself: Will someone who knows nothing about the background feel that flutter of excitement when they see it? I often get discouraged, haha. But I believe an AD's job is always to run straight toward that flutter of excitement.

Things I was interested in before joining the company—like package design, drawing pictures, and comics—have gradually started connecting to my work. My ideal is for the barrier between work and personal creation to disappear. I think acknowledging your own sensibilities is just as important as resonating with others.

Until a few years ago, I was engaged in private creative activities, like exhibiting installation artworks at shows. That led to an invitation to join the "NEWSPACE" project, which helped me rediscover my own interests. With my 11 years of experience as an art director, I was able to create "LOCKET NAILS" with an amazing team.

If you're interested in collaborating, please contact ぜひinfo@newspace.galleryまで ご連絡ください.