KOJO VIHRAM: Thank You very much for taking the time out to talk to me. The response posted a while back on your work has been outstanding; I think I can say that you have gained a lot more fans in the UK. Just waiting for the work to come to London and see it all physically, but before I get carried away with much excitement, could you tell the readers know a little something about yourself?
YOH NAGAO: Thank you! Yes, of course. My name is Yoh Nagao. I am currently based in Nagoya-city, in the middle of Japan. I’m Very liberal and have an easy going mind. I grew up within a western culture, so I like to skate board, I love Hip Hop and generally most good things (laughs) I worked for several companies after I graduated art school, and now I'm an artist full time and a freelance graphic designer. Having a little personal matter, I'm still living with my mother with her three cats and one dog, but love the home cooked food. I would prefer my space, it would be nice, but it does get stressful.
KV: Hopefully that wouldn’t be for too long. We all know what that’s like living at home…I could go on…but no! LOL! How long have you been an artist?
YN: It's been about 4 years now since I started with this style. The one you posted up! Originally I always loved to draw when I was much younger.
KV: So is that where all your images stem from, childhood? I remember our first conversation and you mentioned that pictures come your mind, what happens in your mind when you draw?
YN: Yes that is true. Its been a couple years creating this style and many of art work is based from my own real happenings, feelings, experience as it’s beginning to happen or has happened. In my mind, I’m pumping them up to decide a motif, atmosphere or theme. At the start or a moment, I probably would draw nothing at all or just think of something for a while. Then, after decide a layout and I start to draw. So I could say that my creation will be started from thinking deeply in my mind.
KV: Can you describe your favourite artwork that you’ve created?
YN: Yes. "Point to point" is representing my situation of between making my art pieces in my studio in Japan and showing them in overseas. Many of my work tell a bit of something I’m feeling or a specific situation. Then a series of work evolved and then made for my first solo-exhibition in Hong Kong in Feb-2009. At the same time, I have strong desire to get out of Japan as well and to show more to the world.
KV: I like it. It sounds very interesting. Your creative structure just seems to me that it can jump out of the canvas. Would you consider using any other art form in creating art pieces?
YN: Yes I have thought about it many times and maybe I would consider using Fabric, metal or wood. Because I'm thinking to create sculptures someday and also filming is very interesting but that’s another discussion to have.
KV: That’s another great passion of mine and music as well. Have you worked with any other types of artists in collaborating on art pieces?
YN: No I haven't. I wish I could.There are lots of great artists in this world, so I hope it will happen someday in near future or even sooner.
KV: So maybe WE could do some collaboration
YN: Maybe!
KV: Ouch! Lol. Don’t worry I’m not offended, I’m only joking. Speaking of the world, it’s been through many changes significantly in the past year; do you think in general that art is reflective of the world we live in today?
YV: Just a little bit. It is getting more open but there's still a big gap between our lives in general. Because art is still very conservative, I think it doesn't have a strong influence. I bet art won't be super big either, super small existence, I think maybe it will be staying similar a position in the society.
KV: Hard to place, but as the world and society change perhaps the expression in art will grow in diversity as part of people’s influences noticeably in your work, there seems to be a strong influence. Who would you say has been your influence?
YN: My father has been a great influence. He was an amateur underwater photographer and loves the sea. He showed me lots of sea creature drawings, including nonexistent creatures when I was 4 or 5years old. I was so into it then, started drawing.
KV: Who would you like to work with in the near future?
YN: I'm looking forward to collaborate with different artistic professions people like, animators, fashion designers, and photographers. I have a small sense of ideas to reach out and create something on other formats. We will see.
KV: That would be nice hopefully the UK will get to see that soon. Do you plan to show your work in the UK sometime?
YN: I'd love to have it! But nothing planed yet. Waiting for love calls from UK.
KV: (*coughs* Ahem Plain Janes) you never know, its looking like a good year what else have you got planned this year?
YN: Well, 2010 will be a preparation year. I'm gonna have lots of art pieces and some great ideas. I'm also thinking to live outside Japan, get to maybe London, Maybe Plain Janes too. It's gonna be a very exciting year
KV: Ahhh shucks! Well that ended very quickly! Thank you so much Yoh Nagao for taking the time out exclusively to talk with me and share with the readers. It’s been wonderful, very much appreciated.
YN: No, Thank you.
People there you have it! An exclusive chat with the undeniable, extraordinaire, Yoh Nagao. I’ve said his name so many times now that the next time you hear it you’re going to think of Plain Janes…LOL! Much love you all.
Kojo aka gogogadgetmrv.
Click to find out more on Yoh Nagao’s work .
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