House Tour: Yoyogi Artist Studio (with a hidden bed)

all photos courtesy K-NARF

After almost two years in Nakameguro, the Tokyo-based French photographer K-NARF recently relocated to Yoyogi. Located in an 7-floor building from the late 60s, the artist created a unique, versatile space that functions as artist studio by day and apartment by night. Here’s a peek inside…

the single-room space has plenty of light that filters through from the windows in the back

The dilemma lay in how to turn a single, modestly-sized space into a working studio that could also function as livable quarters. To accomplish this task the maker of things had to get a little creative. In the back of the room, aligned with the windows, the artist fashioned an elevated platform out of plywood that hides a little secret. “By just pulling out the bed it becomes the best bedroom ever and at day by pushing it back under the living room, it becomes a really nice artist studio space,” explains the artist.

During the day it serves as meeting area for discussions or meals but at night a concealed bed emerges from underneath the platform. It’s a really clever way to make the most out of small Tokyo spaces.

a concealed bed underneath the elevated platform

The rest of the apartment serves as a workspace for K-NARF and his girlfriend Shoko, who makes pressed-flower art. Love the apartment? When the two artists are traveling for exhibitions they rent out their space on Airbnb, leaving artwork on the walls for guests to enjoy.

K-NARF is more of a photography-maker, rather than a photographer. Inspired by the Bricolage, or Ready Made, art movement, he creates sculptures and installations – “contraptions,” he calls them – to create a néo-vintage photographic world. He is currently in Kyoto, participating in the Kyotographie exhibition. In a space located in the Murakamijyu Building (B1) he’s attempted to recreate his entire artist studio. The exhibition is up through May 8, 2016.

Bonus Post on tumblr: see photos from K-NARF’s exhibition in Kyoto.