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For over three decades, Tokyo artist Hajime Sorayama has been a major influence on the way we’ve seen the future. After a short stint as as commercial illustrator in the early 70’s, Soryama broke free from the constrictions of the advertising world, going out on his own and–ironically–gaining both world-recognition as a artist in his own right and a stable base of top-notch clients like Sony. Along the way, he’s fine-tuned his robotic aesthetic and pin-up girl obsession, influencing scores of young, techno-obsessed cyberartists around the world with his half-human, half-machine art moves.
Gearing up for the TAS 2008, we talked to the Tokyo based inventor of the “sexy-robot” whose work has been featured–more than once–not on a canvas, but on the airbrushed body of a ride...
Q What’s the difference between an illustration done for commercial purposes, as opposed to one illustrated purely for personal purposes?
A Commercial illustrations have specific parameters that are set before the illustration even begins. On the contrary, illustration done for personal purpose is ever evolving as my fans decide after they view my works. I often observe peoples’ reactions to my art. Still, for me, there is not much difference.
Q Do you you feel you are a part of what is now defined as “cyberculture”? What are your feelings on the term in relation to your work?
A No! I don’t own a cell phone. I don’t even use a computer! On the surface my works looks like “cybertec” but actually what I am trying to express is more human, more literary aspects.
Q Since you began in the 70’s, at a time when computer technology was still in its infancy and inaccessible to most, at the time what was your own vision of the future?
A In 70’s I was mainly working and creating advertisement / commercial works. I was pretty much working with art director. Not much thinking, not much vision... This changed as I went out on my own. I think even now I have a strong sense of smell, like a dog. I just live and work with this instinct like a wild dog.
Q With where we’re at now, do you think human beings are turning into machines?
A Compared to what I thought 20-30 years ago, I’d say no. I do not think we are turning into machines at all... The machine components we carry with us now act as an additional enhancement that may be utilized as required.
Q Talking about your fetish pieces... What is it about Japan that allows for more creative expression that might be looked at as taboo in other places?
A Well, most of Japanese are not restricted by the particular religious thoughts. That’s why less taboo exists in this society. On the contrary to the West, we (the Japanese) are an agricultural tribe bound to nature. Under a spell of the nature. Which is my biggest influence—all things in nature, the whole of creation.
Q Do you drive?
A Yes, I do drive a car and yes, it gives me a sort of freedom. I think automobile technology in Japan is evolving, but I think Japanese user are very conservative and old fashion. I would like to design my own car, someday. |
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