Interview: Maco Hattori
Luca Curci talks with Maco Hattori during the 4th Edition of ROME INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR, at Medina Art Gallery.

Tired of the Japanese corporate lifestyle and society’s rigid expectations of what defines a woman, Maco single-handedly left a lengthy career to fully devote herself to astrology studies, Reiki healing, and fine art. Beginning with utilizing handmade fluid art, photography, and digital collage techniques, she seamlessly blends traditional mediums with contemporary, creating pieces. Afterwards, she started to work mainly with acrylics which are highly influenced by the essence of femininity to accurately convey her ideas. She draws upon feelings, landscape, subconscious and conscious thoughts to create art pieces. Maco leaves her art open for interpretation but hopes to provide the beautifully naive and humane aim of spiritual comfort, emotional healing, and a chance for love.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Maco Hattori – Art for me is a form to expression, but most importantly provides a safe space to discover personal growth. It is a tool that enables a gateway for conveying current thoughts and emotions.

LC – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
MH – Tired of the Japanese corporate lifestyle and society’s rigid expectations of what defines a woman, I single-handedly left a lengthy career within the fashion industry to fully devote myself to personal growth and fine art; the latter having been something of great interest from a young age. I dedicated a full year to studying astrology and Reiki healing. This in combination with the experience of being a woman in today’s society highly influences my art.

LC – Which is the role the artist plays in society? And contemporary art?
MH – An artist reflects and trail-blazes current societal and personal issues, wishes, and thoughts; presented in ways that allow the viewer to freely interpret without intrusion.

LC – How is your creative process?
MH – It starts with a visual impression of nature and color. Combining this with texture, curiosity, and my main medium, acrylic, I translate these impressions onto a canvas.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
MH – I started out combining handmade fluid art, photography, and digital collage techniques creating contemporary pieces that worked well both physically and on-screen. However, the process of pouring leaves little to no control of the outcome. As I was looking for a way to accurately convey my ideas, I switched over to abstract art utilizing acrylics as a main medium.

LC – What is the message linked to the artwork you have shown in this event? How is it connected to the theme of the entire exhibition?
MH – This is one of my older pieces that I feel represents my core; the universe and its transcending power of love. The piece represents the connection between the contemporary human mind and the vast expanse of the unknown, correlating with the theme of the exhibition.

LC – Can you explain something about the artworks you have in our exhibition?
MH – The motif depicts a cave, a safe space, gazing at the universe, showing that there is nothing to fear in the unknown. The main choice of color palette (blue, turquoise, orange) aids in reassuring this sense of calmness.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
MH – Absolutely yes. I had no idea how to participate in exhibitions when I started creation. It is a great opportunity for me to show my works to a lot of viewers with you there.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
MH – It is amazing. Your platform enables me to introduce my works to the world not only digitally on some media but also physically.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
MH – I highly recommend collaborating with you. I am grateful to all the staff who have supported me for taking part in the exhibition.