Hiromitsu Kuroo

Which 3 words or concepts best define how would you like your art to be perceived?

FADING BEAUTY
WEST MEETS EAST 
TEXTURE


What tools do you use as part of the preliminary stages of your process?

Origami & Drawing

What creative challenge have you faced and overcome that has transformed your art practice?


Recently I found a new way of approaching my work through the folding of canvas from origami techniques.

I also started a series of bleach paintings while I was running out of supplies during the pandemic lockdown. 

The theme was ‘How do I make Art’ with what I have at hand, using as little paint as possible.

With what intentions do you infuse your art making?

As the world has become increasingly diverse and complex; I am trying to approach my work in a more ‘primitive’ manner. 

The reason why I started the new series of bleach paintings is that I was inspired by the many Native American murals I saw while I was I traveling  in Utah and Colorado five years ago.

I learned  that Native Americans at the time used to hide from the strong sunlight in the daytime, as well as the wildlife that came at night, while painting on narrow valleys and rocky walls.  Their environment and the conditions they encountered to create their art reminded me of our current pandemic situation. I am also inspired by the simplicity of these works that still feels fresh today.

Where do you draw your color inspiration from ?

I grew up in Kaminagaya in the southern part of Yokohama city in Japan, close to the nearby Ooka River where many dyeing factories made scarves using the water from the river. I used to visit dyeing factories and friends’ houses selling scarves when I was a kid and I learned a lot about color there.

What brilliant piece of advice were you given on your creative journey and would be happy to share?

I’ve learned that human relationships are important for everything, including art. 
Respecting each other and helping each other creates an environment where better art works can be created.