PROFILE
Born in Tokyo in 1972. In 1991, he began making silk-screen printed T-shirts, and in 1993, he started the apparel brand "Famous (FAMOUZ)," which became popular as one of the Uraharajuku-style brands. In 2003, the 10th anniversary of the brand's establishment, he took a break and has since been active as a painter and silkscreen artist under his own name. He is also a member of the art unit "ULTRA He is also a member of the art unit "ULTRA HEAVY.
Take on new challenges at your own pace.
-I understand that you are going to Korea tomorrow. Thank you for your time.
Kamiyama: It's a meeting, so it's only for three days. It's a round-trip.
-There are many exhibitions abroad.
Kamiyama: I was allowed to do a little bit of this year as well. The last one was in Beijing in December this year. There is a project to cover a commercial building itself with art. It is a project of "Smiley × RYUJI KAMIYAMA.
-What about the art scene overseas?
Kamiyama: I think it continues to be a very exciting time. I think Japan has kind of calmed down a little bit. Well, I don't expect that wave to last forever, and I'm not trying to match it.
-The year is almost over. How was your year?
Kamiyama: I felt like I was being chased until last year. I felt like I had to do it, do it, do it. Even if I didn't mean to, I felt like I had to keep up with their speed. But since the beginning of this year, I have tried to distance myself a little. I decided to produce at my own pace.
-What do you think contributed to that feeling of being chased?
Kamiyama: I think the main reason is that I am not affiliated with a gallery. If I belonged to a gallery, they would control me in various ways and I could use my time effectively as an artist, but in my case, I basically have to hold my own meetings and make my own judgments. If I think I have to take on a certain amount of commissions, I end up being busy with the production of the work every day. I don't think I fit in with that sense of speed.
-I'm going to produce at my own pace this year.
Kamiyama: I ended up getting slammed ( lol ). So next year, I'm going to do it really slowly. I don't plan to have a solo exhibition next year. If I have a solo show, it will be the same as this year. I will just participate in some group shows that I have been asked to participate in. I will not stop painting, but there are some things I cannot face unless I am conscious of them.
-What are your plans for the next year and beyond?
Kamiyama: I wanted to resume tinkering with clay. I really wanted to make a hand-twisted three-dimensional work this year, but a year has passed without me being able to do so. If I want to do it properly, I can't paint at the same time, and it is very difficult. Next year, I plan to spend as much time as possible working with clay.
-I'm looking forward to that!
Kamiyama: I would like to stay in Hasami for a long period of time, visiting my friend's workshop and asking about other workshops with which I have connections. I have a vague understanding of how to make molds, but it would be nice if I could spend a year learning and deepening my understanding of the process. Then, I will have to use my time efficiently. I think it will be a little while before I make a presentation.
