The Standard

(Aska Matsumiya’s Rainbow Project Launches at The Standards in LA now)

For LA-based artist and musician Aska Matsumiya, rainbows are magical - no matter where in the world we may be, the beautiful phenoms bring us joy. To share this joy was partially the motivation behind the Rainbow Project, a new charitable endeavor that at once provides a forum for sharing images of rainbows from around the globe and an opportunity to those still recovering from the recent devastating earthquakes in Japan. Both The Standard, Hollywood and The Standard, Downtown LA are now hosting installations in support of the project - we took a few moments to speak with Aska and learn more.

The Standard: How did the Rainbow Project get it’s start and what is the goal of the project?

Aska Matsumiya: It started when I was exchanging rainbow photos with a friend. He sent me one of Peter Coffin’s rainbow collages, which is basically just one big rainbow made up of lots of different rainbow photos. I thought about how beautiful it would be if those photos were collected from all over the world from different people, and also how amazing it would be if it served a purpose, because rainbows are truly magical and whenever something magical happens it becomes even more magical when you share with other people. I thought this could be a good way to refresh our joy in making something together to share. A positive + positive cycle.

How has the idea for the Rainbow Project translated into the installations at The Standard properties?

At The Standard, Downtown we will be projecting all the rainbow photos people donated to our website from the rooftop, along with a rainbow abstraction by artist Eliot Kaufman and Lucky Dragons, who built a rainbow installation at The Standard, Hollywood.  We also have ambient music to go with the installation. 

Tell us a bit about the charities involved in the project.

Right now we are working with Civic Force Japan, Peace Winds Japan & JOICFP. These organizations provide fast relief to those displaced and focus on improving maternal health efforts, distributing relief supplies and supporting various healthcare activities. 
People are still suffering and rebuilding their lives from the recent earthquake and now they are facing a problem from the radiation they are exposed to. It will mean a lot for them to know that people around the world are supporting them. 

How can people donate?

Anyone can upload a photo of a rainbow they have encountered. Once the photo is uploaded, it will ask you how much you want to donate.  Within 48 hours your photo will join the rainbow collage to become part of the bigger rainbow!