 |
| copyright Lady Aiko |
Which aspects of urban art attracted you to hit the streets of NY after your successful studies in graphic design and filmmaking at Tokyo Zokei University and media studies at the New School?
At college I was into documentary filmmaking. Urban art is similar to documentary film in some characteristics: both are non-fiction, rough and real. Urban art is performing arts, it is a spontaneous happening on the street, a communicative art form that is meant for everyone, for random people in random situations .
When following media studies, Canadian philosopher Marshall McLuhan once said "the medium is the message, an extension of our body". Urban art became my medium and my large-scale murals and installations became extensions of my body. My stencils beautify the cityscape, leave prints of my positive soul here and there. I enjoy the feeling that the city becomes an extension of myself, allowing my body to become bigger and bolder.
You worked for Takashi Murakami, whose work is also inspired by Japanese pop culture, anime and manga imagery. What did you learn from this unforgettable co-operation?
When I was assisting Takashi Murakami, he wasn't the superstar artist he is now. Back then he rented a tiny space in Brooklyn to prepare for his solo exhibition at Marianne Boesky Gallery in Soho. Murakami and a few assistants worked at the one small table in the room, it was an intimate co- operation.
This was right after my arrival in NY. I was very interested in the artist's life style, more than in what he created or in his artistic techniques. I was observing him, this middle aged Japanese artist beginning his world-wide career.
What was your role in the artists' collective Faile?
My role was from A-Z, I was a creative part of Faile.
As a solo artist you have been known to utilize a large scale of materials and techniques: acrylics, spray paint, collage, pigments, coffee stains, film, screen printing, stencils on spray cans, designing sculptures and toys, ...
Which are the main messages you are aiming to convey by means of your bright street and gallery work?
By experimenting with several techniques and materials I seek the beauty of human life. The world of today is filled with sad stories, therefore I want to focus on the positive moments of everyday life, on making things better ... The Japanese tragedy that took place last year filled me with concern. I also feel deeply for my heritage, I like talking about my roots in order to preserve our beautiful culture and tradition.
What's your view on the position of female artists in the male dominated art world?
It can be very difficult, but I enjoy my position as a very unique individual most of the time.
Can you tell us more about your collaboration with Martha Cooper?
She's a very good friend of mine. We travel together, organize shows and mural events, lecture on the history of graffiti and street art. We simply inspire each other. It's really nice to work with a different generation's talent.
Based on the photographs Martha took in Tokyo during the 1960's, a book called Tokyo Tattoo was published. The Tokyo Tattoo project consists of Martha's book publication, an art exhibition of images I designed, and a spray paint mural project in Europe and the US.
Could you tell us more about your future projects?
Soon I will do a mural project in Las Vegas. This fall Martha Cooper and I will be working on the Tokyo Tattoo show in Soho NYC. In Japan I will be working on a new version of the Lady Butterfly sculpture, which is to be released this winter. A fashion project, new prints and a book will be out by the end of this year so please stay tuned on www.ladyaiko.com.
Many thanks , Lady Aiko Nakagawa!
