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InspirationIllustration

Barbican Brutalism triumphs over Olympics disappointment for artist MAMIMU

There's a saying in Japanese that goes "Fall down seven times, stand up eight". Sticking true to this adage is London-based Japanese artist/graphic designer MAMIMU (aka June Mineyama-Smithson).

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Geometric illustration of stacked coloured rectangular blocks in pink, brown, green, blue and red against a purple background, inspired by Brutalist architecture

Her collaboration with CULT VISION, an eyewear boutique in London's Barbican, was planned to mark the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in their shop window. But whilst Covid-19 led to both the delay of the Olympics and CULT VISION temporarily closing doors, MAMIMU continued the conversation with the brand to work on giving a little ray of hope despite the circumstances.

And so was born Barbican Geometrics. A study of shapes and forms inspired by the Brutalist aesthetics of the Barbican, the series of colourful prints extract a sense of order and progress from the regularity of the London landmark's windows, tiles, and steps.

MAMIMU's Barbican Geometrics print featuring golden yellow and grey geometric shapes with an orange grid pattern on turquoise background
Colourful geometric print by MAMIMU showing a stylised brutalist building facade with turquoise windows and multicoloured grid patterns against a pink wall and cyan sky

“In uncertain times like this, ‘optimism’ can be more than a lofty, happy idea,” says MAMIMU. “I believe optimism is a choice: you can either dwell on your loss or find the inner strength to move on."

"The Brutalist aesthetic is often seen as cold and sterile, but I have discovered the joy and optimistic side of this iconic piece of London urban architecture. With bold solid colours and shapes, I hope to show the world optimism and resilience."

MAMIMU's work often shines with hope. Inspired by the philosophy of Japanese Kimono artisans, she creates bold joyful patterns from the seemingly mundane, and June's work has been featured internationally on YCN, Cow Parade Niseko and SCMP.

Her latest works swap out the famous greys of the Barbican for bubble gum pinks, Gen-Z yellows and aqua blue. These colours aren't random choices, though, as the below references show MAMIMU drawing from shop front signs and wall markings of the area as inspiration.

Barbican Geometrics can be seen in CULT VISION until 31 December 2020. They are also available to buy now on on the MAMIMU shop.

Abstract geometric print with layered horizontal lines and rectangles in navy, grey, yellow and white on bright yellow background, inspired by Barbican Brutalism
Split screen showing MAMIMU's geometric print with blue and yellow stripes on bright yellow background alongside street-level photograph of Barbican architecture with graffiti
View through a shop window with gold-framed panes showing a narrow glimpse of a modern street with white building facades and a parked car
Colourful geometric window illustration with bold yellow, cyan and pink frames on a pink wall beside a grey Brutalist building facade
Colourful geometric shapes in pink, green and blue overlaid on a photograph of a brutalist concrete building with brick and metal features
Left: Yellow geometric print with layered rectangular shapes and white dashed lines on blue background. Right: Concrete Brutalist steps with white edges and rust-coloured circular studs
MAMIMU's Barbican Geometrics prints featuring bold geometric shapes and bright colours inspired by Brutalist architecture displayed on wooden floor
Person in red patterned dress reaching towards colourful geometric prints displayed on white wall above wooden shelves holding eyewear at CULT VISION boutique
Woman in red patterned trousers and denim jacket standing on Brutalist concrete steps with tower blocks behind her
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