I want to broaden my own horizons in order to spread skate art.

What were your feelings when you first heard about the offer for this exhibition?

"I didn't even know that such an event existed at a major department store, so it was a really fresh experience for me, and I was very happy to be invited. My work is more on the street side in terms of style, or rather, I think it falls into the niche category within art, so I feel incredibly grateful to be able to exhibit my work at a historic and famous department store like Isetan. I think the people who will see it will be completely different from my usual clientele, so I think hearing their feedback will greatly broaden my perspective."


Apparently, there are some difficulties when it comes to working on a project.

"I usually do commissioned paintings, but at the same time, I also want to paint pictures that I like for solo exhibitions that I want to hold, so it's a matter of finding a balance between the two. Well, I think this is a dilemma that anyone in any kind of artwork will inevitably face. Basically, I enjoy what I do, but if I don't have time to paint for myself, I get mentally exhausted. So no matter how busy I am, I make time to paint works just for myself."

For HIROTTON, the most important thing when facing his work is the time he spends with his friends.

"If I don't include time for skateboarding, I can't relieve stress, and I stop coming up with ideas or being able to create artwork. That's why it's important to have time to skateboard with friends at least once a week, or to chat about trivial things while having a drink. When I create time like that to bring my mind back to a neutral state, strangely enough, ideas start flowing more easily the next day."


What kind of activities are they considering for the future?

"Until recently, there was a general feeling among people who create this kind of work that they wanted to stay underground, that the mainstream was a bit different, even though nobody said it out loud. But I disagree with that. As long as the core of your work remains unwavering, I believe you should proactively take on any kind of work, regardless of its size. No matter what others say, if there's a chance to work on something I find interesting, I want to do it as much as possible. The culture itself is niche, but skateboarding has been officially included as an event in next year's Tokyo Olympics, so I hope that it will become more popular in the future, while still retaining a good underground feel. I hope this exhibition, which will be seen by many people, will be a stepping stone towards that."


They're not just following in the footsteps of Jim Phillips and Pushead (a popular artist who designed decks and T-shirts in the '80s), but they're also determined to create art with their own hands. That sentiment came across quietly.

"Yes, I really like both of them (laughs). But if I just keep following someone, that'll be the end of it, so I think I need to do something new that I can do."

Event Information

Hirotton Solo Artshow
"The Original Works"

□September 18th (Wednesday) - October 1st (Tuesday)
□ Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 2nd Floor = Men's Creators

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)