PROJECTS
Kikori Whiskey x Greg ito studio
Kikori Whiskey x Greg Ito: A Celebration of Creation, Community, and Culture for AAPI Heritage Month
In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, Kikori Whiskey and its founder, Ann Soh Woods, partnered with celebrated Japanese American visual artist Greg Ito to launch a creative collaboration celebrating heritage, resilience, and the spirit of craft. Anchored by a $10,000 donation to the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC), the partnership centers on a short film created by Ito and a specially crafted Kikori cocktail — both paying homage to Asian American stories and our shared human experience. This presentation, hosted at the JACCC, featured new paintings, sculpture, installation, and a film screening accompanied by a player piano performing the film’s score, generously sponsored by Yamaha.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
Installation view of The Carrier at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, CA. 2025. In partnership with Kikori Whiskey.
HERMES: NEW YORK FLAGSHIP - Madison Ave.
This exhibition was created for the Hermès flagship location on Madison Avenue, where I was tasked with designing a sculptural installation centered around one of my favorite symbols—a house. The display was designed to resemble one of my paintings brought to life.
We crafted a nocturnal scene featuring a warm, glowing house nestled on a snow-covered landscape, surrounded by poppies reaching skyward. In the background, cold purple mountains and the twinkle of city lights complete the scene. The door of the house opens to reveal a cozy interior, where Hermès products are thoughtfully merchandised. Adding a surreal twist, the windows of the house reveal a daytime scene of green hills overlooking a serene ocean.
This installation was meant to evoke the warmth of a home and remind viewers of the precious moments shared within it.
Installation view of Greg Ito x Hermes installation at New York flagship location on Madison Ave. 2023.
Installation view of Greg Ito x Hermes installation at New York flagship location on Madison Ave. 2023.
Installation view of Greg Ito x Hermes installation at New York flagship location on Madison Ave. 2023.
Installation view of Greg Ito x Hermes installation at New York flagship location on Madison Ave. 2023.
Installation view of Greg Ito x Hermes installation at New York flagship location on Madison Ave. 2023.
HERMES: LOS ANGELES FLAGSHIP - RODEO DR.
For Hermès’ flagship store on Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles, I was tasked with designing a cohesive installation across three window displays. Drawing inspiration from my studio practice, I created a series of sculptures and tailored installations for each window.
The centerpiece of the installation consisted of three small houses that I burned and then cast in aluminum. The resulting sculptures had a striking metallic finish and a haunting, ghostly appearance. These were displayed in carefully crafted environments where I used charcoal as a landscaping element, paired with various faux flowers that appeared to grow from the ashes. This interplay between destruction and renewal created a compelling visual and conceptual contrast.
The backdrop featured panels of charred wood, a nod to the Japanese technique of shou sugi ban, a method of preserving wood through burning. Hermès products were thoughtfully placed alongside the sculptures, elevating the presentation to a museum-quality display. To enhance the surreal and dreamlike atmosphere, I incorporated lighting gels, which cast rich tones across the windows, imbuing the installation with a captivating, otherworldly mood.
This project was a meditation on the duality of loss and growth, merging art and design to create an unforgettable experience for the store's visitors.
