Aoi Yamada, an expressive artist who made the leap to Tokyo for high school, navigates a vibrant landscape of creativity, from international stages to the innovative works of independent artists. Her journey began in childhood, when dance became her voice—a powerful form of physical expression in a time when words eluded her. As she continues to delve into her unique artistic identity, Yamada embodies the essence of art: a realm that often defies verbal expression.
At Art Week Tokyo (AWT), she discovered works that echoed her own experiences, inviting her into ‘unknown encounters.’ Clad in a costume adorned with prints of her homemade bento, Yamada graced the KOSAKU KANECHIKA at the TERRADA ART COMPLEX, where contemporary art thrives. In this space, she spoke of art as a joyful exchange with fellow ‘living, breathing people,’ embracing its beauty without pretension.
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Encountering Art: I simply love colors. My colorful and joyful experiences have continued to this day.
-Could you share what initially drew you to art?
AOI YAMADA: During my childhood, I had limited opportunities to engage with art, but I always had a variety of art supplies, such as paints and crayons, readily available. Being somewhat shy, I preferred to quietly draw and experiment with colors on my own rather than engage in conversation with others.
I enjoyed dissolving paint in water to create different colors and even dropping stones into that colored water. My affinity for colors has persisted; I often wear clothing inspired by the vibrant bento I prepare almost daily. It feels as though the colorful and joyful moments from my childhood have continued to resonate with me to this day.
Dancer/Actor. She performed a solo act at the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, participated in the dam-type performance “2020,” and acted in the Netflix drama “First Love” and Wim Wenders’ film “PERFECT DAYS.” She also choreographed the music video for Hikaru Utada’s “Nan Iro Demo Nai Hana” and has been involved in narrating NHK’s “Document 72 Hours,” expanding her activities through both body and voice. Additionally, she is part of the performance collective “Tokyo QQQ,” where she continues to create. Every day, she prepares bento for her husband.
Aoi will participate in the group exhibition “GROUP SHOW: 4 ARTISTS” at KOSAKU KANECHIKA (exhibition period: August 31 to September 28, 2024), showcasing her creations while dressed in attire printed with her homemade bento.
The group exhibition we viewed together today at KOSAKU KANECHIKA (Tennoz) featured many wonderful works utilizing colors, including paintings and embroidery. Was there a piece that left a lasting impression on you?
AOI YAMADA: Perhaps the works of Junko Oki. They are intricate pieces that differ from the more commonly known forms of embroidery, with delicate stitching layered onto fabric. While many may be curious about the materials and techniques used, I focused more on imagining the stories behind the works rather than their technical aspects. I enjoy art by freely expanding my imagination and interpreting the pieces in a way that resonates with my own experiences, without worrying about whether my interpretations are “correct.”
From the moment I saw Oki’s work, I felt a profound warmth and wondered, “Where does this warmth come from?” I took my time observing her pieces. Learning that some were created using items left behind by her mother made me feel the power of love embedded in each stitch and the weight of time accumulated in her work.
