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Artist Kyonchi.art Kyonchi.art

Kyonchi.art
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WORKS INTERVIEW EXHIBITIONS

INTERVIEWInterview

Kyonchi.art

Please tell us what inspired you to start painting and how you began your career as a painter in earnest.

Perhaps influenced by watching my father draw at local events since I was little, I also enjoyed drawing. When I was in elementary school, I was bullied and had few friends. Since there was no one to talk to in class, I remember spending time drawing flowers and girls in the corners of my notebook and textbook.

I got into the design work I'd always wanted to do, got passionate and worked hard, but then I ended up hurting my health. I developed kidney disease and was hospitalized for about a month. I was feeling well, but my body wasn't moving as I wanted. In that situation, I had drawing paper and crayons brought to my hospital room, and I started drawing again, a hobby I'd loved since I was little.

I started drawing one picture a day of a child with a favorite smile and uploading it to social media, which encouraged me to receive more positive comments and I began my career as a painter in earnest. Since around 2018, I have been actively participating in group exhibitions, and so far I have participated in 28 exhibitions both domestically and internationally. He has also illustrated books and provided flower illustrations for events at Yokohama Red Brick. Recently, I have also been taking on the challenge of NFT art. Back then, I was sick and couldn't do many things, but without that, I might not be painting now. It was a major turning point for me.

Please tell us about the theme and motifs of your work.

Inspired by my previous experience singing gospel, I often depict girls smiling and singing. I like bright colors, so I tend to use those vivid colors intuitively.

My motto when drawing is to bring happiness to everyone and bring smiles. I hope that people who are busy or feeling down see my paintings and feel even a little brighter. You want to draw when you want to encourage, give a push, or have even a small positive impact on those around you. So, first, I consciously try to empathize with the feelings of those close to me, such as my friends. I believe that having so many works that even children can understand reflects our desire to reach as many people as possible.

Alongside his art career, he is also energetically engaged in sports.

Currently, alongside his painting career, he also enjoys kickboxing as a hobby and works as an instructor for a sports club. I originally had asthma and wasn't good at exercise, but after participating in two full marathons, I discovered the joy of exercise. After that, I started kickboxing for about three years. Now that I've gained more muscle, I am honing my skills daily as a teacher.

I like to take on new challenges. The other day, I also participated in a powerlifting competition, and I want to compete in physique competitions in the future, so I'm working building my body. Since I had asthma and struggled with exercise, I never imagined I'd end up teaching as an instructor, so I feel it's worth trying.

「We are beloved」 作：Kyonchi.art

What do you value most in your production?

The most important thing when drawing is to protect your heart. If your mind isn't stable, you can't draw in the first place, and you can't have a positive influence on those around you. This is also because after being hospitalized due to illness, I painfully realized that mental and physical health are the most important things.

In that sense, listening to gospel music or exercising like kickboxing refreshes and leads to mental health. Then, sleep and laughter every day. My husband and I spend our days laughing at silly things. When your mind is balanced, I feel that your paintings naturally carry positive energy. That's why I approach my work while cherishing the small happinesses of each day.

Please tell us which work you think is most authentic to you.

The piece I think is most personal is "Declaration," where I wear boxing gloves and spread my arms wide. The meaning of 'Declaration' is simply 'declaration.' This work was created to inspire myself to declare my goals and dreams. The background says Power of Smile, and I believe a smile is the strongest weapon above all.

When I made this piece, I had just started kickboxing. Even though I had no fighting spirit at all, I gradually gained strength through practice. She also expresses the feeling that even without experience, if you keep smiling and keep working hard, you can change yourself.

「Declaration」 作：Kyonchi.art

What are your future goals?

There are many things I want to try, and one of them is murals. Many of the drawings I create are understandable even to children. So, I'd be happy if we could display it in places where people of all ages can see it, such as city walls or spaces inside commercial facilities. I hope to continue creating works that bring happiness to those around me, never forgetting my gratitude.

Mr. Kyonchi.art continues to paint believing that a smile is the strongest weapon while valuing mental and physical health above all else. His enthusiasm for new things is endless, such as kickboxing instructors and challenges in NFT art. She says she wants to continue creating works that bring happiness to those around her without forgetting her gratitude, raising expectations for her future steps.