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

In recent years, he has also been involved in the art production for COMME des GARCONS, but how did that come about?

"It was simply a matter of chance. A friend of mine works in a department that handles projects involving artists, and I was picked as a candidate for that project."

Working on the production for a world-renowned fashion house would certainly be quite exciting, but—

"Hmm, I don't know (laughs). The shoes were just painted, so it really felt like I was just working mindlessly. The other bag had lettering on it, and this has become a regular product so I will continue to do it in the future, but I never really felt that lettering was a form of artwork. Actually, I had written letters on canvas before, but at the time it didn't really feel right to me. But through working with COMME des GARCONS, I gained a rather new perspective, so it may be reflected in my work in some way as I continue to work as an artist in the future."

In addition to paintings, this exhibition will also feature three-dimensional sculptures. What inspired you to start creating three-dimensional works?

"I studied at a university in London, but the art there is quite conceptual, or rather, the way they teach in class is that a work of art is not valid unless it has a reason or can be explained, and I was quite troubled at the time, not exactly lost, but I was struggling... At that time, I was exploring various forms of expression, and among them, the three-dimensional works I created were very well received. From then on, I started creating both three-dimensional works and paintings separately. At first, it wasn't as abstract as it is now; I was making things that were easier to understand, like living creatures, but it gradually got closer to the current form."


Is there a difference in the level of enthusiasm and approach when drawing pictures compared to creating three-dimensional objects?

"The feeling is a little different, because the process is different. But what I want to express is the same. I want to express my own emotions, or things that exist but are not actually visible, and I create them in the same way as I create paintings. I approach them in the same way as paintings; I create both as a part of my life. I might be thinking about other things while sewing fabric, or I'll paint when the mood strikes me. Also, I do everything simultaneously, so I might sew partway, leave it for a while, paint a picture, and then if I get tired of that, I'll sew the unfinished 3D piece. I create everything on a whim. It's like cooking, you know how sometimes you think, 'I'm in the mood for pasta today, so I'll boil some pasta,' or 'Maybe I'll have some coffee'? To put it simply, it's the same thing (laughs)."

Yamase says there are things she will keep in mind when creating her own works in the future.

"I would like to have a solo exhibition in a large venue. Also, as I mentioned earlier, I struggled as an artist for a while with conceptual art and other things, but now I feel really comfortable and happy with my work. I'm genuinely happy to receive an exhibition offer from Isetan like this, so I hope to continue working hard on what I can do in conjunction with the environment in which I'm working in the future."

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 ▶

Text: Kei Osawa
Photo: TAGAWA YUTARO (CEKAI)

inquiry
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 2nd Floor = Men's Creators
03-3352-1111 (main representative)