Interview: Kayano Ushiyama
Luca Curci talks with Kayano Ushiyama during MIXING IDENTITIES, third appointment of CANVAS International Art Fair, at THE LINE Contemporary Art Space.

“Art changes the world and enriches life. Art can make the world happy”. Kayano Ushiyama is a Japanese painter whose works have been extensively exhibited nationally, as well as in France and the United States. Her brightly colored pieces exude happiness and warmth, aligning with her goal to bring happiness to the world through her art. Ushiyama’s compositions are created using acrylics, gouache, pastels, transparent watercolors, and other materials, which she digitizes then prints, adding more acrylics and gouache.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Kayano Ushiyama – Art is a tool that spreads happiness to the world through works.

LC – How did you get to your current artistic practice?
KU – I was always looking for a place to present my work, especially because I wanted to exhibit it in London.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
KU – In my daily work, I often get inspiration from the message from space and the beauty of nature, and in my work, I express the light, wind, moisture, particles, animals and plants in the forest. I hope to deliver happy energy to everyone.

LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?
KU – Nothing in particular.

LC – Do you use art to express something in particular? Is it like your medium of expression?
KU – As I said in the first question, this is to spread happiness to the world through work.

LC – We were attracted by your last artistic production, has the artwork presented been created for the festival or as a part of preexisting works?
KU – I made them for this exhibition.

LC – Can you explain something about the artworks you have in our exhibition?
KU – They are works that express the energy and warm feelings of the universe.

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
KU – I think it’s wonderful.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
KU – Yes, I think so.