A book called “Tokyo Salamander: American Dream Diary 1989″ by Shinro Ohtak has a date 1993. It looks like it’s a collaboration with a London designer Vaughan Oliver (born 1957). According to Wikipedia, Oliver is a graphic designer. Oliver has an association with 4AD record label, one of my favourites with Cocteau Twins.
Left: his website image with logo
In Japan, the word salamander has its own league of interpretation. The image that is evoked from this creature is quite mythical and imaginative. As this book itself denotes, there is a feeling old traditional serene atmosphere. But often the vision expresses the evil and chaotic side of this enormous creature.
The fact that he is based near where I used to live and his connection with Japan is enough for me to think about his creativity. From my understanding of Wandsworth, Oliver’s local area, is a grey part of London. I guess about 20 years ago, their newly built shopping centre gave the place a push towards commercial cultivation. It didn’t seem to be able to sustain the tension and 6 years ago (which is when I was there), being the out skirt of central London, it started to become a little rough. I like it because it feels like he is surviving in the downtown city and making his designs there.
Left & below : excerpts from
Tokyo Salamander
