Today, we spoke to Shusuke Yamaguchi, a currently active artist who has received awards at various public exhibitions and has experience holding solo exhibitions.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule for this interview!
Sorry to ask this question right away, but you graduated from Fukuoka University of Education majoring in art. What made you want to study art at university?
Ever since I was little, I loved drawing, so much so that I would draw a portrait of my teacher in the corner of my textbook during class. When I was in elementary school, middle school, and high school, I played sports instead of joining art clubs, but when it came time to take university entrance exams and think about what I wanted to do, I realized that I really wanted to pursue a career in art. This is the trigger.
Going to university gave me an opportunity to think about what I wanted to do.
So, is there a piece of art that left the most impression on you that you have come across so far? Please let me know if there is a reason for that.
When I was in high school, I thought Van Gogh Degas was amazing, but when I saw classical paintings, especially Rembrandt, at an art museum in college, I was moved and became obsessed with them.
Maybe it's because I expanded my horizons at university that I gained this sensitivity...!
Are there any artists who have influenced you? What part influenced you?
I met Rembrandt at university and began to study Baroque techniques.
I now draw both figurative and abstract drawings, and this is due to the influence of Gerhard Richter.
Many of the works featured in FROM ARTIST are realistic still lifes painted in oil. Could you tell us how you arrived at this style?
Currently, from artist's website shows still life paintings, but in addition to still life paintings, he also paints people and abstract paintings.
My current style stems from my research into Baroque painting, which I mentioned in my earlier answer, and I've applied that to abstract painting as well.
I see that you create a wide range of other works besides still life paintings!
Is there anything you usually keep in mind when creating your works? Please let me know if you are particular about choosing the motifs to draw.
When it comes to still life paintings, what I pay more attention to than choosing a motif is the "space" created by the subject. I am more particular about the "space" between objects than the detailed depiction of motifs.
I'm sure there are many different techniques for oil painting, but if you have any that you're good at, please let me know.
I'm not sure if I'd say I'm good at it, but I apply Baroque chiaroscuro expressions to most of my works.
The paintings are based on baroque expressions and are studied every day!
By the way, where do you get your inspiration for your work?
Rather than getting inspiration from something else, it's unadorned.
When I look at Yui's walls, I can't help but think that I want a painting of a space like this.
Are there any expressions or themes you would like to try in the future? Also, are you interested in styles other than oil paintings?
I would like to be able to publish the expressions that I am already working on, which are a combination of concrete and abstract, on from artist's website.
I would also like to explore my drawing work further and turn it into a work that resembles a pen drawing.
I'm really looking forward to the completion of this new work using a different technique than before!
Do you currently have any interests or hobbies other than art?
Pottery is popular in my hometown, and I naturally fell in love with it as well. When I see a coffee cup that catches my eye on the street, I often end up buying it on impulse. Pottery also appears in still life paintings, so it just so happens that my hobby is reflected in my work.
Thank you for joining us so far!
Lastly, please tell us your motto.
direct effect "direct connection"
Introducing the works featured on FROMARTIST
Title: Still life with apples
Detail page URL: https://from-artist.com/products/ringonoaruseibutu
List of works: https://from-artist.com/collections/yamaguchisyuusuke