In the contemporary art scene, there are emerging figures who, with their creativity, manage to transform everyday materials into extraordinary works of art. A prominent example is Nasa Funahara, a Japanese artist who has chosen colored adhesive tape as her main expressive medium. After graduating from the Musashino Art University in Tokyo, Funahara began experimenting with washi tape, a form of Japanese tape traditionally used for paper works. Her decision to use this unusual material stems from a fascination with its versatility and the vividness of the colors available. Funahara is best known for her replicas of famous paintings made entirely of adhesive tape. From Leonardo da Vinci’s ’Mona Lisa’ to Vermeer’s ’Girl with a Pearl Earring’, each piece reflects careful chromatic analysis and impeccable precision in the application of the tape, demonstrating a technical mastery capable of deceiving the eye and challenging traditional perceptions of painting and sculpture. Each work requires several weeks of work, during which Funahara visually deconstructs the original painting and then reproduces it in a single piece. recreate it with strips of tape cut to sizeHis ability to manipulate color and texture has attracted the attention of international galleries and collectors, positioning Funahara as a groundbreaking artist in the field of contemporary art.



Funahara’s Transformation of Classical Art with Scotch Tape
Japanese artist Nasa Funahara has revolutionized contemporary art using an unexpected medium: colored scotch tape. His meticulous technique transforms famous works of art into vibrant pieces, creating detailed replicas of masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Funahara begins the process by carefully selecting tapes in colors that best reflect the original work. To copy the Mona Lisa, for example, he chooses hues that mimic the subtle, nuanced colors of the original, using a surprising variety of greens, browns and beiges. This process requires an intimate knowledge of color and an almost surgical precision in cutting and positioning the tapesEach strip of tape is applied individually, overlapping when necessary to achieve the desired depth and shading effectOne of the main challenges is the inherent limitation of the materialUnlike paint which allows for almost unlimited shading, tape offers a fixed color paletteFunahara, however, turns this limitation into an opportunity to express himself in unique and innovative ways, ensuring that each final piece not only imitates the original in visual terms, but transforms it into something entirely new and original. Funahara’s technique not only highlights his skill in manipulating everyday materials, but also opens up a new conversation about what it means to replicate art.




Rediscovering art through the everyday: the works of Funahara
Japanese artist, Haruki Funahara, has captured the attention of international audiences by transforming some of the world’s most famous works of art using everyday materials, particularly washi tape, a type of traditional Japanese adhesive tape. This interesting approach not only renews the perception of classic works, but also raises profound questions about the value and perception of art itself. Funahara chooses art icons such as Leonardo da Vinci’s ’Mona Lisa’ or Vermeer’s ’Girl with a Pearl Earring’, and reinterprets them in a form that, while visually similar to the originals, is intrinsically temporary and ephemeral. This contrast between the permanence of classical art and the impermanence of the medium used challenges the viewer to reflect on the ephemeral nature of beauty and the substance of what we consider art.Funahara’s critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising his originality and ability to establish a dialogue between old and new. Some critics, however, point out a possible trivialization of great works of art. Despite this, Funahara’s cultural impact is indisputable. He has stimulated a lively discussion about the boundaries of art and the role of artists in contemporary society. His work directly addresses consumer society, using modest materials to create something remarkably close to traditional artistic greatness, thus inviting a reflection on sustainability and reuse in the artistic context. Ultimately, Funahara not only pays homage to the great works of the past, but also invites us to consider how art can evolve in relation to the materials and techniques of the present.

Funahara’s Innovation in Contemporary Art
In an era in which art is pushing beyond traditional boundaries, Funahara’s work emerges as a point of reference for the His revolutionary approach to using unconventional materialsHis methodology not only challenges aesthetic conventions but also enriches the dialogue on sustainability in artThrough the use of everyday objects and recycled materials, Funahara redefines the perception of creativity, demonstrating how ordinary objects can be transformed into extraordinary artistic expressions. This aspect of his work invites a broader reflection on art as a vehicle for social and environmental commentary. Funahara’s influence can be seen in the work of contemporary artists such as El Anatsui and Vik Muniz, who have also explored the use of recovered materials to create works that address global issues such as consumption and reuse. Funahara’s visual narratives encourage audiences to critically examine their own consumption habits, proposing a new paradigm in which art is not just contemplation but an active participation in the culture of sustainability. Funahara’s cultural impact suggests a future of art in which the barrier between ’new’ and ’used’ becomes increasingly blurred, and creativity continually evolves in search of new forms of expression through material reinterpretation. His innovations open a new frontier for the art of the future, hence the growing interest from modern galleries and collectors attentive to ecological developments in art.