Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 2nd Floor = Men's Creators "ART UP" will host a solo exhibition "Capillaries" by paint artist baanai, starting February 19th (Wednesday). As we reported in our first interview last year, he is known for his artwork for Comme des Garçons.

One year has passed since then, and we spoke with the artist about the changes that have occurred, their thoughts on this second exhibition, and their future vision as an artist.

baanai

Interview: Vol.1 baanai | Overwhelming Originality Born from an Inferiority Complex

Just like last year, I continue to work diligently on art every day, never forgetting my gratitude.

--On Wednesday, February 27, 2019, the second floor of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building had its soft reopening, and the inaugural exhibition, "inaiinaibaanai," was held in the newly established gallery space. First, we asked for their thoughts on last year's exhibition.

"It was wonderful, and I'm very grateful. I received a lot of feedback. I received many compliments, but what stood out to me was that, as the first participant in this project, I filled the exhibition space with my works. However, some people said they wanted a little more space so that each piece could be viewed properly. Since it was my first solo exhibition, I was focused on making an impact, so I hadn't thought about things like that. So when I heard that, I thought, 'I see.' However, I think it's better to overdo it than not do enough, so in that sense, I think I was able to do it in my own way."

The first solo exhibition, "inaiinaibaanai," was held from Wednesday, February 27th to Tuesday, March 26th, 2019.

--Last year was a year in which we could see your activities in various situations, such as your collaboration with Audio-Technica's wireless earphones. As the scale of your work grew, did your motivation for your work change?

"For the past year, I've continued drawing 'ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU' (baanai's experimental project exploring what would result from continuously drawing the word 'thank you' for 365 days without a single day off) while also working on other projects. The content of my drawings may have differed, but my feelings haven't changed in any particular way. I always put my heart and soul into every job."

--A few years ago, when he was struggling at rock bottom both professionally and personally, baanai decided to take a last-ditch effort and sent his work to Rei Kawakubo in a guerrilla-style manner, along with a letter. He was praised for his work, and it opened up new paths for him in many ways. Since that "last attempt," he says his creative drive has been constantly on high. When asked if it's difficult, he continues with a wry smile, "It is tough."

"Including 'ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU,' it's something I have to do every day. But in a way, if Ms. Kawakubo hadn't recognized me, I think my life would have been over, so from then on, I just did it every day. At that time, I had no money and no job, so I was just filled with the feeling that 'I have no choice but to do it.' I think that feeling continues to this day."

--I decided to take on the challenge and opened up new paths, but there are still many obstacles to overcome.

"It might seem like a minor detail, but I just can't draw well. Until a piece is finished, I get discouraged every day because I can't draw the way I want. But I know I can't just leave it as it is, so I keep drawing, trying to make it better. It's the same thing every day."

--You've been continuously drawing "ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU" without taking a break, so I asked if there had been any changes within yourself. You prefaced your answer by saying, "It might sound a little contradictory, but..."

"I try not to worry about what will happen as a result of drawing it. I think that I'll only truly understand it when I'm on my deathbed, and that might sound exaggerated. Of course, I do think about it sometimes, but I don't dwell on it too much. Rather than drawing for something to happen, in a sense, I'm drawing with death in mind. When I die, if there is a God, I want to tell Him straight that I continued drawing 'ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU' every single day of my second half of life without taking a break."

NEXT> The tagging style incorporated into this work was discovered by chance.