An exhibition of works by artist Mayumi Yamase, titled "colours," will be held at " ART UP" on the 2nd floor of the Men's Building at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building starting August 21st (Wednesday).

His abstract paintings and sculptures, which utilize vibrant colors, have garnered high praise not only in Tokyo but also overseas in cities like London and Singapore. In recent years, he has been involved in productions for COMME des GARCONS, and is currently attracting considerable attention. We asked him about his thoughts on this exhibition and his future prospects.

Event Information

Mayumi Yamase Exhibition "colours"

□August 21st (Wednesday) - September 17th (Tuesday)
□ Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 2nd Floor = Men's Creators/Art Up

Click here for event details ▶

The theme revolves around the invisible cells and emotions swirling within the human heart.

Ms. Yamase, with her colorful printed shirt and striking smile, made a memorable impression. How did she come up with the theme "colours" for this shoot?

"My work uses a lot of primary colors like blue, orange, and yellow, but recently, when I was casually looking at my own work, I finally realized that I really like these colors (laughs). Of course, that changes from time to time, but I always end up coming back to these colors. Besides those three colors I just mentioned, I also like green, blue, and red. I've become aware of that aspect of myself, so if I were to choose a theme, I'd say it would be 'color.' That's why this time, I think I'll be able to show you works that use similar colors, both paintings and sculptures."

Many of your works are colorful and use acrylics, but what was the initial reason you became interested in them?

"I wonder why... Both now and in the past, not only my artwork but also the clothes I wear in everyday life tend to be pop-style, but to be honest, I don't really know why myself (laughs). Oh, that's right, I just have a feeling that since I was little, my parents always told me to 'wear fun, colorful clothes rather than plain ones,' so I was a child who was always made to wear colorful clothes, so maybe that aspect has influenced my artwork."

Apparently, Yamase began drawing abstract motifs, which have become synonymous with her work, during her student days.

"When I was in high school, our art teacher was a really interesting person. In the very first class, he would hand everyone a blank canvas and tell them to draw whatever they liked. I think the abstract paintings I drew then were the starting point. Back then, I think I was just drawing whatever I felt without really understanding the meaning. But the longer I continued, the more I started to think about what I was drawing, so even though the motifs are similar, I think my work has become a little more refined compared to before, and I can now put my thoughts about my work into words. However, I think what I'm trying to express is the same as it was back then."


The use of colors and motifs all have meaning.

"My themes often revolve around invisible things inside the body, like cells and emotions, and also my own body and how it connects to other people. I feel like I'm creating fantasy and imaginative elements within myself. I think the motifs and shapes represent the inside of the body and cells, but the colors are meant to express the emotional side. There was a time when I painted solely based on emotion, but recently I feel like I've gained more control. I don't know if being able to regulate emotions is a good or bad thing for an artist, but I think both are necessary for expression. Lately, I've started drawing on top of my artwork with crayons, and it's not exactly a 'destroying' feeling, but I think it's good for expressing my own emotional side."



Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 2F, attracts many visitors from both Japan and abroad, primarily men. Many people will likely discover the artist Mayumi Yamase through this exhibition, but what message does she want to convey to them?

"This might sound like a big statement, but through this solo exhibition, I want people to know that there are artists in Japan with this kind of sensibility. Also, I would be grateful if people simply felt something, like, 'The colors are beautiful,' or anything else. Art has no borders or language barriers, so I think something can be conveyed through people seeing it."

NEXT> I will continue to create free and unrestrained works, following my emotions.