Interview: Megumi Matsukawa
Luca Curci talks with Megumi Matsukawa during the 8th edition of LONDON CONTEMPORARY 2023, at THE LINE Contemporary Art Space.

From the turning point of 2020, Megumi Matsukawa started thinking about the hope to live and the preciousness of life, and in order to express it through painting, she drew works based on natural objects such as plants and the universe. The vivid colours and delicate gradations unique to alcohol ink express people’s hearts and emotions, and the spread of ink created by the movement of the wind sometimes expresses a rock-like texture, and sometimes expresses a depth like a universe. It expresses natural objects more realistically.

Luca Curci – What is the trigger that leads you to paint?
Megumi Matsukawa – Broken heart is the beginning of an art life. At that time, I was an office worker, but my physical condition was affected by the pain of a broken heart, so my colleague asked me if I should start a hobby. That night, my colleague contacted me and told me that she had found a hobby that would suit me and told me one link. That was the alcohol ink site that is also used as a material now. From there, I started art activities as a hobby to heal my heart.

LC – Which artists have somehow had an influence on your work?
MM – My roots are nature. Trees and flowers, sky and clouds, sea and stars are my inspirations. Apart from that, I fell in love with art when I first saw Millet’s “The Gleaner” and “The Sower” when I was a child. Thinking back, I think this was also a big influence on me.

LC – How is being an artist nowadays?
MM – By becoming an artist, I was able to accept various things.Because I had a personality that I couldn’t forgive myself… It was also a detonating material for self-growth, but I think that forgiving yourself is very important in expressing it in art. Because art reflects everything in the heart. I’ve been living as a workaholic in the organization for a long time, so I threw away various things when I became an artist. Thanks to it, I’ve got various things that are important for living now. Now I think I was able to let go of my fear of living at the same time.

LC – Do visitors’ suggestions enrich yourself and your art?
MM – Yes, by listening to the customer’s reaction, I feel that my values are being brushed up. I can expand what I draw from multiple perspectives depending on the opinions of others.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
MM – The art is changing as the heart grows. It’s still in progress. Please take a look at it from the past works. I think you can see a little change every quarter. And I think it will continue to change in the future. As my mind grows, my touch will change.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the exhibition?
MM – Yes, I agree. I think it is attractive to discover and disseminate talent through contemporary art

LC – In which way the artwork presented in our exhibition is connected with the exhibition’s theme?
MM – For them to explore the inner world, I believe it is effective to show them the process of their inner evolution through art. My art reveals my inner sense as it is while targeting natural objects. By seeing the evolution, growth and development of their minds, people will get the energy that leads to the reshaping of identity and evolution.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
MM – It’s easy to challenge across countries, so I’m very grateful to artists who want to work internationally.

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
MM – I think it was also possible to connect with many artists. The exhibition period is also long, I think there is a chance for many people to come and see it.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
MM – Yes. we will be active especially in London, so the frequency of participation will be higher. I look forward to working with you.