It depicts the coming of age of the resort.
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.
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.
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.
Double-sided raised flannel stand collar shirt (brick) ¥1,990 This stand-up collar shirt is made of thick cotton yarn and finished with a brushed finish for a pleasant feel against the skin. The comfortable cotton flannel fabric is soft to the touch and does not prickle even when it comes in direct contact with bare skin. Available in 8 colors.
