HELLO YUYA AND WELCOME BACK TO ANOTHER ARTISTIC COLLABORATION WITH 4BYSIX FOR THE VEHICLES FOR CHANGE INITIATIVE. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO WORK WITH US AND FOR SPEAKING TO US ABOUT YOUR NEW WORK. 

TO BEGIN, CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE EVOLUTION OF YOUR SIGNATURE MOTIF; HOW DID THE PAIRING OF A BOLD AND GRAPHIC STYLE WITH THE AMBITION TO EXPOSE SADNESS COME ABOUT?

The compositions of my paintings draw inspiration from the graphic design of the past. I have always preferred graphic design to painting; I view it as an art form distinct from painting itself. I incorporated tears into my work because I wanted to add a touch of originality to my current style; there is no deep, underlying meaning behind the depiction of the tears.

私の絵画の構図は先人たちのグラフィックデザインを参照したモノです。私は元々絵画より、グラフックデザインが好きでした。絵画とは違うアート作品だと思っています。私の作品に涙を組み込んだのは、私の今のスタイルにオリジナリティを足したかったからです。涙を描いた意味に深い意図はありません。

YOU RECENTLY WORKED ON A NUMBER OF FORD FALCON WINDOWS FOR 4BYSIX’S VEHICLES FOR CHANGE INITIATIVE. CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU FELT WHEN ASKED TO TAKE PART IN THIS PROJECT AND IF THERE IS A PERSONAL OR ARTISTIC RESONATION WITH 4NBYSIX’S WORK?

When 4BYSIX approached me about creating a piece using Ford Falcon windows, I agreed immediately. The reason was simply that it was a material I wouldn't have chosen myself. I’m a cautious person who tends to avoid new challenges, but I said yes because the request came from a close friend named Alex. That’s all there was to it.

フォード・マスタングの窓を使って作品を作ることを4bysixに相談された時、私はすぐにOKしました。その理由は、自分は選ばない素材だったからです。私は臆病な人間なので、新たなチャレンジをあまりやりません。アレックスという近しい友人の相談だったから、私はOKしました。それだけです

WHAT MORE CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE WORK YOU HAVE MADE; WAS THE COMPOSITION PLANNED OR DID THE SURFACE LEND ITSELF AS THE SOURCE OF INSPIRATION UPON ARRIVAL?

When the car window arrived, the first thing that came to mind was "America." I decided to paint American icons across the large window, specifically, images like Marilyn Monroe and *American Graffiti*, capturing the spirit of the 1960s and 70s. I also included some of my signature works and pieces featuring my own pet cats.

車の窓が届いた時、最初に想像したのは「アメリカ」でした。そこから大きな窓にアメリカの象徴を描きました。想像したのはマリリン・モンローはアメリカングラフィティ。60年代から70年代のアメリカです。あとは私の代表作や、私が飼っている猫の作品です。

GIVEN THE NATURE AND FOCUS OF 4BYSIX’S WORK, CAN YOU TELL US IF YOU HAVE ANY PERSONAL OR CREATIVE CONNECTIONS TO CARS; WHAT DREW YOU TO WORKING ON WINDOWS FROM A DISCONTINUED CAR?

I’ve worked with 4BYSIX a few times, but it’s always been online; I’ve never actually visited the site in person. I wonder when Alex is finally going to invite me over. (Haha)

4bysixと仕事を何回かしたことはあるが、あくまでオンライン上での仕事で、直接現地に行ったことないので4bysixの事業内容はいまいちよくわからない。アレックスはいつになったら僕を招待してくれるんだろう笑

FINALLY, HOW HAVE YOU BEEN AND WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON RECENTLY; DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW AND EXCITING PROJECTS IN THE WORKS?

I am planning to hold solo exhibitions in South Korea at the end of this year and in Milan next year. I am already looking forward to visiting these places, soaking up the local atmosphere, enjoying delicious food, and experiencing different cultures.

今年の年末に韓国、来年はミラノで個展を開催予定です。現地に行って、現地の空気を吸って、美味しいものを食べたり、他国の文化に触れることが今から楽しみです。