It depicts the coming of age of the resort.
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You drew illustrations on MUJI carrying cases at the "Life in Art Exhibition" held at MUJI Ginza, didn't you?
Stream:The person involved in that event had originally visited my solo exhibition. It was through this connection that I was approached. Of course, I had never used a carrying case as a canvas before, so I thought, "Why not?
Do you have a theme for your paintings?
Stream:I grew up in a port town called Teradomari in Niigata. When I was a child, it was a bit of a resort town, with strange amusement parks, villas, and hotels. But when I started junior high school, it all went into decline and people stopped coming. So they all closed down, but they remained as abandoned amusement parks and villas. I was left with a strong, unpleasant impression, which is reflected in my work.
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It is true that you do not draw people in your paintings.
Stream:That's right. Also, the windows of the building are dark. Simply put, it is the end of a resort. But if I wrote it as it is, it would be a dark work, so I made the colors pop, and there was light shining through. I wanted to create a dry, nihilistic feeling. That's the image I had in mind.
Do your current paintings also draw inspiration from these original experiences?
Stream:That's part of it, but I also like landscapes, so I sometimes ask my friends to show me developed photos of their travels. I don't want to paint places I have no connection to.
When preparing curry, a white T from is used.
Mr. Ogawa, your clothes seem to get quite dirty because of your occupation.
Stream:So I generally wear clothes that I don't mind getting dirty. Work clothes are just that, work clothes, but there are times when I need to do a quick drawing.
Do you wear different clothes when you paint and when you stand in the store?
Stream:Basically, I wear work clothes when I paint and a white T-shirt at the restaurant. Curry splatters and stains my white T-shirt, but I feel like I've mastered it if the curry doesn't fly off when I'm preparing the food (laughs). (Laughs.) So I make that my challenge.
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Curry stains have decreased in recent years?
Stream:Lately, I've been popping in late in the preparation process. I think my skills have improved a little (laughs). The white T-shirts I buy are often from MUJI. I like them because they are wide and short.
Speaking of which, what do you think of MUJI's curry from a professional's point of view?
Stream:I am a crazy freak. I eat amazingly (laughs). As for the green curry, it is better than any other restaurant. It's so good that I want to offer it in my restaurant. It's really spicy and so good. I wish they would serve a large serving.
What do you think is the appeal of MUJI?
Stream:It's amazing how the same air flows regardless of how big or small the restaurant is. Even if it is crowded, it doesn't bother me. I feel comfortable with the products. The clothes I tried on today were soft, and I felt at ease.
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