02 > artists > Stefan Eck

Tokyo - JP

Stefan is an illusrator and a creative thinker. He studied visual arts at Faculté d'Arts Plastiques and graphic design at the Ecole d'Arts Graphiques Gutenberg in Strasbourg, France.

'As far as I can remember I have always had a passion to promote 'art in the street' with the purpose of creating a dream for the mainstream. I believe my purpose is to create an experience that comes alive, an experience that trancends the barriers of language and cultural differences and brings everyone together.'

He began to illustrate walls by painting in the streets and in public spaces around Alsace, France where he was born. At the age of 16 when he was involved for the first time in a local parade.

'This was truly a key moment on my artistic path. I've not only learned how to craft parade float constructions or to work on large metallic structures. I have also learned and experienced how to bring art alive. As from that moment, I began to understand that performing arts such as parades and carnivals have deep roots in our culture and are a strong medium in the promotion of art in the streets.'

This first experience was followed by several years of intense involvement in many different events including the world famous Strasbourg Carnival.

Fascinated by the Japanese culture, it's people and it's heritage, he decided to relocate. He joined Osaka’s annual parade team and became Art Directior of the event.

He currently works as freelance illustrator and dedicates most of his time to his art.

'I would like to continue to illustrate, design and build living art for everybody. I would like to see my work in the street, where anybody can see it, experience and explore it.'

His work has been presented to the public in several countries: Saga in Strasbourg, France in 2000, Midosuji Parade in Osaka, Japan in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Urban Legends in New York , Design Festa in Tokyo and Power in Numbers in Los Angeles in 2009.