Let's explore the relationship between people and art, as connected by Art Technologies, from an artist's viewpoint. We'll look at Yutaka Nishi, a contemporary artist whose work is gaining attention, even receiving orders from overseas. His atelier, located by a lake, was meticulously organized, reflecting his earnest personality.

Nishi's interest in art began with American comics and animation he saw as a child. His admiration for American culture became the driving force behind his desire to draw. Among the many professions involving art, why did he choose to become an artist? He sheepishly admitted that he felt he had no other choice.

“I used to not believe that one could make a living by drawing, but I also felt that drawing was all I had. I agonized over whether I had to engage in commercial activities to survive, when Mr. Hosono, who used to run an alternative space called ANAGRA in Hanzomon and is now involved with Art Technologies as a freelance art director and curator, recognized my work and gave me a boost. That was the turning point that led me to decide to become an artist. Thanks to him, I've been able to support myself solely with my own work since graduating from university.”

Mr. Hosono's first commission for Nishi was to create a mural. Nishi himself had moved to Tokyo with the aspiration of painting murals. His style, influenced by graffiti art, retains a strong connection to street culture.

Nishi describes his work as an expression born from his daily life, a form of color and vibrancy.

When I visited his atelier, I saw a painting he had created on a panel he made himself for a large-scale work. It depicted flowers and a vase placed on a table. Three slightly varied vases were arranged in parallel, creating a rhythm in the artwork. However, they weren't simply placed side-by-side. As the gaze moves from left to right, the vase on the far right appears to dissolve softly beyond the frame. Intrigued by the striking image, I asked for its title.

“I don't give titles to my works. I believe the subjects I draw are simply 'things' that exist in the world. This piece, too, depicts a scene from my daily life. Since art is an extension of life, it would feel unnatural for it to be confined within a frame. Therefore, in this work, I introduced a sense of gravity so that the rhythm continues beyond the viewer's gaze.”

An afterglow that can be felt, though not seen. The artwork, where life itself connects to art, entrusts the viewer with imagination. There is something profound in art that can only be experienced through direct engagement.

Nishi's art can also be displayed in offices through a subscription service. A significant advantage of this service is the ability to follow an artist's growth through their work. While the fundamental style may remain consistent, the artist's skill and expressive range evolve. Enjoying this process is one of the pleasures of regularly renting art.

Art Technologies also offers art created through collaborations between artists and companies, not just art subscriptions. Nishi's mural production is one such example. We spoke with a company owner who commissioned a mural for their office and decided to implement the subscription service, a project that arose from direct communication between the artist and the company owner.

Gallery Information
INFO
Exhibition "NEWEN" by Three Female Artists Active in Tokyo

Dates: Saturday, January 25, 2020 - Friday, February 7, 2020
Hours: 13:00 - 20:00
*Fridays and Saturdays: 13:00 - 22:00
*Closed Sundays and Mondays
Artists: Yukiko Yamazaki | wimp | Nana Soeda
- Opening Reception: Saturday, January 25, 17:00 - 22:00

- ABOUT NEWEN -
This is the first curated exhibition to be held at BAF, a gallery studio that opened in Nihonbashi Bakurocho in 2020.

The exhibition, titled "NEWEN," features a curation of three artists who have not previously collaborated, showcasing their representative works, including new pieces. Yukiko Yamazaki, known for her paintings with peculiar compositions. wimp, who presents installations composed of various media such as paintings, prints, videos, and 3D-printed sculptures. And Nana Soeda, who, despite limited exhibition experience, was selected for "ART STARTUP 100" held at Hillside Forum in Daikanyama last September, gaining popularity for her unique character paintings and also producing outstanding animated works.

Additionally, the venue will display waste materials from the production process and trash generated in daily life. By visualizing the consumption from idea to artwork, visitors can witness the "flesh and blood" of a piece, aspects usually unseen.

We invite you to experience the consumption and circulation of energy by artists living in the present day.

BAF STUDIO by Art Technologies
Currently preparing for an exhibition in mid-January. Information is regularly updated on the official website below.
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