Nexus Studios, with bases of operation in London, L.A. and Sydney, has signed director Fantasista Utamaro (Uta) for exclusive representation worldwide spanning commercials, branded content and music promos. Nexus will also handle UTA non-exclusively for illustration. The relationship with Nexus marks the first time Uta has been repped commercially worldwide. Prior to joining Nexus’ main talent roster, he was signed to the company’s pop-up roster of Japanese directors, Maison Hanko.
Born in Japan but based in Brooklyn, Uta is part of a new generation of young Japanese creatives challenging the traditional boundaries of art. His distinctive style explores the concepts of celebration, limitlessness and freedom through an explosion of energetic technicolor. He is behind the celebrated and wonderfully trippy “It Girl” for Pharell Williams as well as eye-popping promos for Japanese megastars including Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Hatsune Miku. Uta regularly collaborates with world-renowned artist Takashi Murakami and his passion for experimenting with styles and techniques has seen him develop a vivid and distinguished look which has captured the attention of brands and audiences globally. Uta is an ideal fit for Nexus, an independent film and immersive studio with animation and storytelling at its core.
Recent additions to Uta’s body of work include a retro game-inspired campaign for Uniqlo and a bold and impactful film mixing live-action and dynamic illustration for Tokyo Mode School. He has also created illustrative campaigns for Maybelline, Stella McCartney, BMW, GAP and Netflix to name but a few and his BE@ARBRICK collab figurines are sold out across fashion and lifestyle outlets around the world.
Christopher O’Reilly, Nexus Studios founder and executive creative director, said, “Uta is a rare creative creature; visionary but collaborative; inspired by his heritage but fusing together multicultural strands. His unique ‘ultra pop’ aesthetic brings an energy to everything he touches. We’re excited about what we will make together.”
