Who is Enfu?

Enfu = Ken Taya

What is Enfu about?

Enfu is Ken Taya’s ‘Hybrid Nippop’ works portraying his perspective of a parallel world where both Japanese & American worlds co-exist with the intent of empowering the Nikkei community. Or, I just want to make interesting art, whichever is easier to believe.

Where does the name Enfu come from?

Enfu derives from the kanji for ‘monkey’ and ‘style’. Normally one would read the kanji as ‘SaruKaze’, but I chose the shorter Chinese reading and ended up with Enfu. Its easier to pronounce and remember than Sarukaze, and don’t you think its catchy?

What gives you the right to comment on both cultures?

As a Bilingual Japanese American Nisei (Second Generation) having lived in the USA & in Japan, I’ve experienced both acceptance & rejection from both sides. The art created comes from my unique understanding & misunderstanding of both cultures, something other Nikkei (Japanese emigrants and their descendants) can relate to as they themselves try to understand their heritage.

Why coin the term ‘Hybrid Nippop’ when describing your work?

Hybrid because its a mesh between both cultures. Nippop (Nip & Pop) rolls off the tongue well like Hip-Hop. Nip is a derogatory term used to belittle the Japanese people (second only to Jap), and was the ‘name’ given to me as a kid in elementary school. Oddly enough, being called Nip was what began my journey to discover my Asian American identity, and is a big reason for the content of my work. My use of ‘Nip’ does not stem from self hate, but rather my attempt to take ownership of a name/identity given to me.

How do you ship your prints?

I don't like to roll my prints up into tubes as it damages the print quality and its hard to make flat again once rolled up. All prints are delivered with insurance, in clear protective envelopes within a stay flat mailer (some with cardboard backing). On some occasions I will use a tube to send Artists Proofs for really odd sized prints. I use UPS for Domestic, and USPS for International. Allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.

What do those bars next to the names of the print mean?

The bars are to show the collector how many prints are left in my inventory. The numbers inside the bars show a range only so I do not have to continually update the site per each sale made. They are only there to show the potential buyer that I do keep track of the edition sales and update them periodically. Its also a good indicator as to which prints are the most popular.

Will you make more prints soon?

I have more in the works, you can always check up on my process and whats coming up next by viewing my Enfu Blog

How can I support Enfu?

You can start by buying a print, or you can donate to Enfu through paypal by clicking the donate button on the top right. You don't even have to have a paypal account to buy or donate, you can simply pay by credit card!

Are all screenprints exactly the same?

The nature of a screenprint (serigraph) is that there is always a slight degree of variation between prints. Print #10/100 and #45/100 may show slight variations in alignment or the way the inks adhere to the paper. Generally, the Artists' Proofs are the prints that were printed early in the process of creating the edition of 100, and are the most varied in consistency (which in turn makes them more valuable).

What are mini prints, and where can I get them?

The mini prints currently available for "Gnomuki" and "Denshin Poles" simply have a thinner 1" border and rounded corners. They are available only from this online store. Mini prints will comprise of half of the edition of 100 starting from number #51/100-#100/100. Boutiques will carry the regular 2" border versions with no rounded corners (#1/100-#49/100). Collect both versions!

How come you don't sell your Artists' Proofs online?

I am currently reserving all my Artists' Proofs for personal use, but you can request to buy a copy by contacting me at ken@enfu.com, and I will quote you the going price per Artists Proof.