InterviewFeatured Artist

Japanese Painting
Akiko Iga
Profile
Akiko Iga's creative foundation was inspired by the desire to paint Japanese people, inspired by her encounter with Japanese paintings at Osaka University of Arts and a trip to Paris at age 15. Inspired by the Great East Japan Earthquake, she faced social themes and continued to create major works such as the 3/11 series and the COVID series, delving into her feelings.
"The Falling Roses" Author: Akiko Iga
Please tell us how you first learned about Japanese painting.

I first encountered Japanese painting after entering the Faculty of Arts at Osaka University of Arts. At first, I chose sculpture, printmaking, and Japanese painting, and in my third year, I majored in Japanese painting. Unlike watercolor or oil painting, Japanese painting involves placing mineral pigments in a bottle onto a plate and dissolving them in a special nikawa liquid before use. Instead of using a brush, I melt mineral pigments with my fingers, and I feel that elements like those of a child when drawing strokes suit me.

Before entering university, I had no familiarity with Japanese painting. There were no artists around me who painted Japanese paintings, and during junior high and high school, I rarely visited museums. It was only when I was 15 that I had the opportunity to travel across Europe and visit the major museums in Paris. When I took a thorough shower of Western paintings, I suddenly thought that since it would be difficult for Japanese people to compete with Westerners in Western painting, I had to paint Japanese paintings. At the time, I didn't aspire to be a painter, but perhaps this is one of the reasons I was drawn to Nihonga.

Please tell us what inspired you to start drawing social themes.

The trigger for starting to paint social themes was the Great East Japan Earthquake. Since the shock of March 11, 2011, I began to reflect on what I had been painting until now. At that time, a lot of information was confused, and the truth was unknown. At that moment, the switch in my mind flipped, and I began investigating the underworld and the dark side of society. I gathered information online every day and read many books. As I did that, the image of the painting began to emerge, which led to the 311 series. The knowledge and perspectives accumulated by continuously investigating the underside of society became a major foundation for subsequent creations.

"Encounter" Author: Akiko Iga
Please tell me about the Corona series.

When COVID-19 was widespread, the knowledge and information I had researched had accumulated, and I had a certain understanding of how society works. Since it happened in that context, I think I was able to draw relatively smoothly. Although I don't have many works, I tend to produce large pieces ranging from size 50 to 150.

Perhaps because it carries a social message in addition to the sizing, customer reactions vary. Sometimes, someone's message strikes a chord and they receive unexpected responses. I want everyone to see all the paintings I'm currently drawing. I don't know where the end of COVID lies, but I want to keep painting as long as the image comes to mind.

You have won many awards so far; how do you feel about it?

Since I never had the chance to hear from the judges, I don't know what aspects were evaluated. However, when I won an award, I heard from others that the artist who recommended my painting said it was a good painting that made viewers feel various things and think, and I was very happy. In fact, some works are sprinkled with codes, and I hope readers will interpret these as stories about boys and girls. Although I couldn't hear the judges' comments directly, I feel happiest that they sensed something through the work.

Please tell us about works with fantastic themes as well.

When I keep investigating the hidden side of society when creating works with social themes, I inevitably feel a bit down. To rebuild yourself, you also need bright and fun drawings. I paint during breaks on social themes to maintain emotional balance.

Also, during solo exhibitions, I do not mix them with works with social themes. If you mix these two themes for exhibition, I think customers will surely get confused. That's how different the two themes are in their worlds. The weight of social themes and the brightness of a fantastical world. I feel that having both is what keeps my own work going.

"Escape" Akiko Iga
What are your future goals?

This year, I participated in a group exhibition in New York for the first time. Exhibiting in New York has been a dream for 15 years, so I'm very happy, and in the future, I want to challenge myself not only in New York but also abroad. Additionally, the goal is to exhibit the Corona Series at a major venue in Tokyo. Right now, I have 19 paintings, but I want to draw up to about 30 and have everyone see them all. I don't know where the end of COVID lies, but I want to keep painting as long as the image comes to mind.

Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, he has begun depicting social themes and has poured the knowledge and information he has gathered into his major works. Codes are scattered throughout the work, allowing viewers to feel and reflect on various things. At the same time, to maintain emotional balance, he also creates fantastical works, switching between two different worldviews. Expectations are high for Akiko Iga's future achievements, as she realizes her dream of exhibiting in New York, and aims to expand overseas and showcase the Corona series at a major venue in Tokyo.

Interview: 2025/04/04