Today we’d like to introduce you to Minami Kobayashi.
Minami, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I grew up in Japan with my parents, three dogs, and three older brothers who are many years apart from me in age. I was really into picture books, comic books and anime since I was a baby. I read and watched what I had many times and after I finally got bored I used to create my own storyline from the images in the books and anime. When I decided to go to a high school with an art department I was thinking to be a picture book artist but I was fascinated with the idea of expressing in an image.
After I finished my Bachelor of Fine Art in Tokyo, I decided to move to the US. There are a lot of reasons that made me come to Chicago, one of which is that I felt something weird about Japanese society but I could not tell what it is when I was there. I am so happy to be here and learn about a culture that is often totally different from my own. I love it. I recently tried to hug my parents which I had never done since I was around 10 years old. I was leaving in Japan to return to Chicago. It was sort of awkward but I felt satisfied and got more confident at leaving.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I paint with watercolor and egg tempera which uses egg yolk. These are both transparent and dry very quickly, so fit for expressing transience. I believe that we’re changing every moment so my works contain the quality of fluidity and transitory. I like going to a grocery store to get my eggs for painting.
I often paint people and animals. My dad was a journalist and not great at interpreting what people feel, yet still when he talks about creatures such as animals on a street and insects in a garden it sounds like he can really hear from them. It’s funny because that’s also how I feel. I can never ask them a question in words but that makes me want to be kind to them.
I grew up with animals from which I learnt respect; everything, everyone can be treated importantly.
I am into making art about people and animal interaction. I think because I have assertive family members which often creates friction. Seeing them from a baby until now has meant that relationships with love are theme in my work.
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
People often share art they see on Social media and it helps artists to be known all over the world. I’d love for people to credit or caption the artist and gallery’s info on the post properly so that their followers can reach the artist.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My works will be featured in the fall edition of Invest Art magazine which is curated by Rebecca Willson and published by Saatchi Art in LosAngels . I am working towards a show at Goldfinch here in Chicago in January, 2019. The gallery is one of my favorite so I am very excited.
Please check it out if you’re around. Also, my works are up in a group show in Kagawa prefecture in Japan if you happen to be there! I post new work and information on my Instagram @korominami
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.minamikobayashi.com
- Email: minamikobayashi4@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korominami/
Image Credit:
Minami Kobayashi
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