Chain & Gazoo Plywood Boombox / Turntable Craftsmen | Hip-Hop Tribute
Meet the talented artist Chain, also known as Shinobu Fukuda or In Cha, a third-generation Korean-Japanese born in Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan. Raised as Korean until the age of 18 due to Japanese citizenship laws, she later changed her citizenship to Japanese while still holding on to her Korean identity. As an artist, she goes by the name “CHAIN (Cha In*)” as a way to pay homage to her Korean roots and signify her connection to others through her art. Chain’s fascination with hip-hop began at the age of 14, followed closely by an appreciation for reggae music. At 15, she started her artistic journey with a gift of 100 colored pencils, sparking her passion for drawing. Drawing inspiration from her deep respect for hip-hop and reggae, she often creates motifs featuring Black People in her artwork. At 19 and 21, Chain embarked on solo journeys to Jamaica, an experience that profoundly influenced her artistic expression. Her exhibition “Natural” at the age of 24 showcased the themes inspired by her time in Jamaica.
Gazoo, a native of Plymouth, Montserrat, has a captivating story of art born from nature and disaster. Known as the black sand artist, Gazoo transforms his island’s rebirth after the devastating eruption of the Soufriere Hills volcano into stunning drawings and installations in the New York City region. During a visit to Montserrat in 2009, Gazoo collected black sand, reconnecting with his homeland and sparking a powerful urge to express his immense talent as a visual artist.
Having exhibited with the Montserrat Progressive Society of New York, Gazoo’s black sand pieces can be found in private collections across various locations. His weekly live painting events in New York City showcase his exceptional skills, and he collaborates with Core Spaces, a real estate company, to feature his black sand art and sculptures in rental properties.
While studying architecture at The High School of Art and Design and New York City Technical College, Gazoo decided to pursue carpentry to learn valuable trade and building skills. Now, he skillfully incorporates carpentry techniques with his unique artistry, collecting materials from construction sites and molding them into sculptural artworks. Gazoo’s versatility doesn’t stop there; he has recently ventured into designing and making earrings from cans.
Chain & Black Sand Artist "Fly Wood Creations" The Coolest Collaboration | Official YouTube Video
Published in December 2012: Chain & Black Sand Artist “Fly Wood Creations”, Directed by Big Noise, Edited by Noiseman.
Together, Chain and Gazoo have combined their creative talents to construct a mesmerizing plywood boombox and turntable. As they meticulously adorn classic turntables and mixers with images of hip-hop icons like Pete Rock and DJ Premier, and recreate original-era ghetto blasters embellished with the faces of hip-hop legends Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur, it becomes evident that this project is a tribute and salute to hip-hop history. Creativity has always been at the heart of hip-hop culture.
Chain & Gazoo Plywood Boombox and turntable stand as a celebration of the cultural impact of hip-hop and the talented artists who have shaped its legacy. Through their exceptional artistry and thoughtful craftsmanship, they honor the essence of hip-hop and pay homage to the rich history of the genre. The coolest collaboration, if you want one send us an email… Blacksandartist@gmail.com or artistchain.contact@gmail.com. the boom box comes in 3 different sizes and you can have any portrait with your order.
Artist Contact Info:
Gazoo | Twitter | Instagram | Website
Creativity is king… Keep it locked to Big Noise Radio for authentic hip-hop culture from Chain & The Black Sand Artist!
Article: Big Noise
Editor: Noiseman
Image: Gazoo
Written by alexnet on