ART PART VOL. 16: HIROSHI IGUCHI
Tokyo-based multimedia artist Hiroshi Iguchi is fluent in the black dots magic. Arranging them in a certain order, he creates flat portraits and images of people, gives volume to unreal objects and even expresses sound of new waves. But this is just one of the many things he does. The other will amaze you no less — Mr. Iguchi regularly created ceramics and other things in the shape of "CULT SIGN" — Yoda's head with a "shaka" gesture.
We talked with the artist about his control over the dots, the background of the "CULT SIGN", the collaboration with the Better Gift Shop and the importance of learning about the native culture.
We talked with the artist about his control over the dots, the background of the "CULT SIGN", the collaboration with the Better Gift Shop and the importance of learning about the native culture.
ART PART VOL. 16: HIROSHI IGUCHI
Tokyo-based multimedia artist Hiroshi Iguchi is fluent in the black dots magic. Arranging them in a certain order, he creates flat portraits and images of people, gives volume to unreal objects and even expresses sound of new waves. But this is just one of the many things he does. The other will amaze you no less — Mr. Iguchi regularly created ceramics and other things in the shape of "CULT SIGN" — Yoda's head with a "shaka" gesture.
We talked with the artist about his control over the dots, the background of the "CULT SIGN", the collaboration with the Better Gift Shop and the importance of learning about the native culture.
We talked with the artist about his control over the dots, the background of the "CULT SIGN", the collaboration with the Better Gift Shop and the importance of learning about the native culture.
It seems that you have been immersed in pop culture since childhood. Can you tell about any pop culture things / triggers that motivated you to draw?
I have always been drawn to the film, the photography, the manga, and the music that were made before my time. The particular textures they have — the monochromatic atmosphere, the sound image of monophonic audio with a noise, or off-registered printed matters — were and still are my fascination. The aesthetic value imprinted in my subconscious mind is the basis of my work. In other words, the large part of the inspiration that I draw to create something new is the old things that are now quickly becoming the things of the past.
We found an interesting article with you on Tokion. You have been production since 2001. What were your early works? What have you tried yourself in and what was important to you (as an artist) in those years?
I try to have a diverse style for commercial work in order to reflect clients' intents. I used to work as a member of a company/team until 2000, and since then I've continuously motivated myself to create visuals no one has ever seen. Looking back, I was always excited about the physical presence of my client work in the society, but not interested in claiming my existence with it. CULT JAM, which was released in 2009, was the first collection of the works during such times.
You mentioned that you have been painting in the "dotted" style for over 10 years. How did you come to this style?
The dotted style first debuted in 2009, featured on the cover of the subculture book, "MASSAGE 8". I had been experimenting with arraying dots with no particular intention for a while, until the last five years or so that I've finally got some control over the dots. But that still doesn't mean I have total control; the image is created by the computer, through an accidental sequence of the dots. To me, in a way, the process is a way of finding my identity in the image that is created beyond my intention.
You have a really recognizable motif. The "Cult Sign". Shaka hand Yoda's head. Tell us more about its background.
To me CULT SIGN is half a philosopher and half a comedian, and is a metaphor of my grandmother who always gave me unconditional love and caring, within a rather difficult family. As for the impetus of the piece, it was trivial; about fifteen years ago at some club, I was with a drunk friend and when I asked him if he was alright, instead of answering he just gave me a Shaka hand gesture. That scene remained in my mind and later I tried the gesture with my left hand, which somehow looked like Yoda from Star Wars. It was a silly inspiration but I instantly understood the link between the philosopher-like presence of Yoda and the image of my grandmother who was always supportive. What started the idea for the piece was trifling, but since it came out CULT SIGN has been developing as the symbol of my life.
Better Gift Shop made a rug with your "Cult Sign". Tell us about that. What do you remember about this collaboration?"
In 2019 Avi Gold asked me to create an artwork for Better Gift Shop. I gladly accepted the offer as it turned out that he was referred to me by Oliver Payne, one of the artists I have great respect for. Also, the shop carried T-shirts with works of Shay Semple, another artist I highly respect. It was a fun project to work on.
You've created a lot of different Cult Sign figurines, coon t-shirt graphics, a rug... Anything else you want to do next?
I have been making the ceramic figurines since 2010 and they come in 10 different colors now. And there was the larger piece for the exhibition in 2018. They were made with molds, but now I'm starting one-off pottery pieces myself.
What are you focusing on now?
For the last couple years I have been feeling the urge to deepen my knowledge of Japanese culture, which my whole life is based on. It is important for me to have an understanding of history. I think it's the shortest route to help define and further develop vague ideas and concepts I have.
Grade Moscow
21 Oct, 2021