INTERVIEW WITH YU MAEDA
Drawing inspiration from the relationship between nature and human, artist Yu Maeda creates psychedelic paintings. He believes in the animality of everything that surrounds us and often refers to his Japanese roots. Mr. Maeda prefers bright colors and complex geometric shapes, which makes his works similar to the sacred Tibetan mandala.
Once he thought that making a living through art in Japan was unrealistic, but now his works appreciated and exhibited in galleries around the world. Read in our interview the path he took, the impact of life in California on him, and what crust punk has to do with it.
Once he thought that making a living through art in Japan was unrealistic, but now his works appreciated and exhibited in galleries around the world. Read in our interview the path he took, the impact of life in California on him, and what crust punk has to do with it.
INTERVIEW WITH YU MAEDA
Drawing inspiration from the relationship between nature and human, artist Yu Maeda creates psychedelic paintings. He believes in the animality of everything that surrounds us and often refers to his Japanese roots. Mr. Maeda prefers bright colors and complex geometric shapes, which makes his works similar to the sacred Tibetan mandala.
Once he thought that making a living through art in Japan was unrealistic, but now his works appreciated and exhibited in galleries around the world. Read in our interview the path he took, the impact of life in California on him, and what crust punk has to do with it.
Once he thought that making a living through art in Japan was unrealistic, but now his works appreciated and exhibited in galleries around the world. Read in our interview the path he took, the impact of life in California on him, and what crust punk has to do with it.
In interview for Juxtapoz, you said that your whole childhood was strongly influenced by American culture. You loved horror movies and sci-fi. Can you tell in detail how it influenced you? Highlight your favorite movies and cartoons? Which images and characters from these are most impressive to you? Was it kinda "triggers" to your future art career?
I remember that my parents did not show me Japanese contents and repeatedly showed me American animations.The most impressive one is flowers and trees from Disney silly symphony. I used to watch the Simpsons cartoons voluntarily.
As for movies, David Cronenberg's the fly and James Francis Cameron's aliens were particularly impressive. This may have been the beginning of my liking for things that are generally considered weird and creepy.
As for characters, I liked Ed Roth's Rat Fink.
As for movies, David Cronenberg's the fly and James Francis Cameron's aliens were particularly impressive. This may have been the beginning of my liking for things that are generally considered weird and creepy.
As for characters, I liked Ed Roth's Rat Fink.
Partly because of your attraction to American culture, you moved to the USA. Was it difficult to move to another country? What were your first impressions and emotions of California?
My first impression of California was that the weather was sunny, dry, and very comfortable. I didn't speak any English, so I had a hard time learning the language. It was all a very good experience. There were artists everywhere, and I thought it was a good environment to start art. It was a great experience for me to meet so many wonderful artists.
For a long time in Japan, you worked as a freelance commercial animator. But you didn't start your art career (as an artist) until after you moved to the US. As an artist, what did experience with companies in animation, music videos and commercial commissions give you? And why didn't you start your art career before you moved to the US?
The skills and schedule management that I learned over many years in the visual advertising industry were useful even after I became an artist. Knowing the importance of being prepared in advance so that I could be ready to move whenever the opportunity arose, I think it helped me in my activities as an artist.
In Japan, it was very unrealistic to make a living as an artist, and becoming an artist after college was not an option. I wanted to become an animation artist, but I failed.
I did draw pictures as a hobby while working, though.
In Japan, it was very unrealistic to make a living as an artist, and becoming an artist after college was not an option. I wanted to become an animation artist, but I failed.
I did draw pictures as a hobby while working, though.
You mentioned that you refer to your Japanese roots and Japanese culture in your works. Tell us about that. What Japanese themes do you like to work with now? What themes do you like to interpret or use as inspiration?
My favorite part of Japan is animism, the polytheistic worldview that all things have life in them. I am attracted to and inspired by things that allow me to feel those things. I get inspired when I take a walk in the green space in my neighborhood.
In your paintings, you draw many characters. How do you come up with ideas for their images? Do you have some kind of a lore or universe for them?
I am inspired by the cycles of nature, the food chain, the relationship between nature and humans, fables, ethnic objects from around the world, etc. I want to create something universal, timeless, and non-regional.
When you moved back to Japan, did anything change in you? Did you start to see the country and your city in a new way?
Since returning to Japan, I have come to recognize Japan as a part of the world. Since Japan is an island nation and closed, I feel that not many people have such a perception. Personally, I think Japan is a strange and interesting country in a good way.
You like 90s British punk and hardcore. What are your favorite bands?
I like the seriousness in living of punk and hardcore. I like d-beat/crust-core. I have been listening to Dystopia a lot lately. I think hardcore music is important to stay sane in a crazy world.
You're open to collaborations and commercial commissions. What do you like about these kinds of collaborations? What kind of work do you like the most? What kind of work would you never do?
I like musical collaborations. I wouldn't want to do advertising work for a company I don't like.
Not so long ago you were doing sculptures and NFT-pieces. What else would you like to try? What materials / mediums to experiment with?
I started making ceramics this year. I love being able to knead clay and create works of art by firing them over a fire.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give to artists?
I personally think it is good to face yourself and do what you want to do.
Grade Moscow
1 Sep, 2022