On the 17th, Ai Otsuka held a press conference to commemorate her first solo exhibition at Spiral Garden in Aoyama, Tokyo (Spiral 1F).
Ai Otsuka debuted in 2003. She produced many hit songs such as “Sakuranbo” and “Planetarium”, and has demonstrated her multifaceted talents not only as an artist, but also as a composer, picture book maker, illustrator, and novelist. She has established herself as a unique artist.
Last September marked the 20th anniversary of her debut, and on September 9th, Otsuka’s birthday, she held an anniversary and birthday concert at Hibiya Park Concert Hall (commonly known as No-On), marking the milestone in spectacular style.
In recent years, she has also worked as an illustrator and picture book author, and began oil painting in earnest in 2019. She has also been actively involved in other creative endeavors, such as calligraphy and flower arranging.
The oil paintings and calligraphy on display at this first solo exhibition are works based on Otsuka’s own songs, and a total of 80 pieces are on display, including oil paintings, pencil art, calligraphy, flower arrangements, and prints.
Today, on the 20th anniversary of his debut and with his first solo exhibition about to open, Otsuka expressed his joy to the press.
–This is your first solo exhibition, and today is the press conference and preview, and tomorrow is the start of the exhibition. How do you feel having made it to this day without any problems?
OtsukaI’m overwhelmed. I decided to hold a solo exhibition a little over a year ago, and since last spring I’ve been having meetings and preparing the artworks, so it’s been a long preparation period, and I’m very grateful to so many people for their help in getting me to this day.
–What made you decide to start an art career in addition to your singing career?
OtsukaThere’s no clear reason, but I gradually started to make time to do the things I like and I began to feel like I wanted to pursue the things I like.
–What made you decide to start an art career in addition to your singing career?
OtsukaLast year on September 10th was the 20th anniversary of my debut, and while my many songs have allowed me to meet and become known by many people, I want to cherish this 20th anniversary, but I also hope that it will serve as a new beginning that will connect me to the next 20 years, so this time I am exhibiting works that link to my past songs.
–In the process of creating this work, what aspects did you find difficult, and on the other hand, what aspects did you find enjoyable?
OtsukaIt’s fun when you first start to paint on a blank canvas, but from there it’s like a battle with my own abilities, and there are difficult times when my abilities don’t match up to what I’m pursuing. Then finally, when I can clearly see that I’ve come this far and it’s finished, it starts to get fun again, so for the most part it was painful work.
–Are there any key points, highlights, or works you would recommend to people to see in particular?
OtsukaYou can enjoy not only the paintings, but also calligraphy, flower arrangements and more throughout the space, so I hope that you will come and enjoy the space in person.
–A total of 80 pieces of work will be displayed in this exhibition, including oil paintings, calligraphy, flower arrangements, prints, and pencil art. How long ago did you start working on the pieces that are being exhibited this time?
OtsukaThe oil paintings have been around for many years, while the calligraphy and flower arranging are from around two years ago.
–Of the works on display this time, which one took the longest time to create?
OtsukaLarge paintings take a long time, so I think the painting called “Φ” (Phi) took the longest. It took about half a year to complete.
–The venue for your first solo exhibition is Aoyama Spiral Garden. Can you tell us your thoughts about this venue?
OtsukaI feel very intimidated and am constantly nervous about being scolded and worried that I may not be worthy of this amazing venue, but I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given and would like to indulge in my duties this time.
–In addition, at this exhibition, a pamphlet titled “AIO ART” will be sold at the exhibition venue and online, which will include a CD of your first mini-album “graine,” which is all piano instrumental. Could you tell us your thoughts on this CD?
OtsukaI had the idea for the piano instrumental about 12 years ago, and started recording it. I wasn’t able to concentrate on it for a while, but after a long time, I was finally able to complete it as an album. I’m happy that I was able to express the world of music that I love.
–This time, your solo exhibition will be held in midsummer. You have a strong reputation for your summer-themed songs, but what is your most memorable summer memory to date?
OtsukaI’ve seen fireworks from below. I’ve only had the experience of looking up at them from directly below once, and the experience was amazing.
Is there anything you’re looking forward to this summer?
OtsukaAfter this solo exhibition is over I’m planning to take a short vacation, during which I hope to visit many different places.
— Currently, Otsuka-san is in the 20th anniversary year of his debut. How do you feel about the 20 years that you have been active as an artist?
OtsukaThe more each year goes by, the more I realize how important and irreplaceable the cooperation of those around me and the support of my fans are. As it continues to grow every year, I feel more grateful this year than last, and I think that this feeling will continue to grow.
–What are your plans as an artist (in music and art) for the future? Is there anything you’d like to try?
OtsukaI would like to explore my own individuality once again and pursue it with a clear vision.
–Finally, please give a message to those who are looking forward to this solo exhibition.
OtsukaWe are using the entire space to connect the past 20 years together and creating a space based on a theme. There are many items on display, so it will take some time, but we hope you will enjoy the time. Please come and visit us.
＜Outline of Ai Otsuka’s solo exhibition＞
・Title: AI OTSUKA 20th ANNIVERSARY ART EXHIBITION AIO ART supporting radio J-WAVE
・Date: Thursday, July 18th to Monday, July 29th, 2024
・Time: 11:00-20:00
– Venue: Spiral Garden (Spiral 1F, 5-6-23 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
・Exhibition contents: Oil painting, calligraphy, flower arrangement
・Fee: Free to view
A limited edition of the pamphlet “AIO ART” with CD for Ai Otsuka’s first solo exhibition to be held in July!
This collection of oil paintings based on his own songs comes with a CD of the mini-album “graine,” which contains all piano instrumental songs.
“AIO ART” AI OTSUKA
Exhibition pamphlet (24 pages) + CD mini album
¥7,590 (excluding tax ¥6,900)
Piano instrumental mini album
“graine”
“recorded music”
01. un
02. deux
03. Trois
04. River
05. Star
06. Blue
produced, composed, arranged and performed by AIO
Release date: 7/17
■mu-mo shop product page
https://shop.mu-mo.net/avx/sv/list1?artist_id=OHTUK
In conjunction with his first solo exhibition, “AI OTSUKA 20th ANNIVERSARY ART EXHIBITION AIO ART,” he will also begin selling “NFT Art,” a digital collection of the art on display!
Each piece is limited to just 99 pieces, making this a piece of digital art that you can enjoy for a lifetime.
In addition, purchasers will receive a Rayart NFT that contains Ai Otsuka’s thoughts and intentions behind the work. Please enjoy the digital version along with the solo exhibition.
▼Sales will begin on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at noon on the following website.
https://aio-art.gallery/
＜Ai Otsuka SNS information＞
・Formula X:https://twitter.com/ai_otsuka99
・Official Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/aiotsuka_official
・Instagram for art:https://www.instagram.com/aioart_official/
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