IN CONVERSATION - Norimitsu Kokubo
For part nine of my ‘In Conversation’ series we hear from Japanese self-taught artist Norimitsu Kokubo. Based in Japan, Kokubo lives in a rural area, so hasn’t been as confined to our homes as many of us have, but he has been continuing to draw throughout this all. Read on for more - this interview was conducted by his father and has been translated into english for us …
Kokubo and myself, Summer 2018, Japan
Do you think your artwork has changed because of the virus and what have you been doing to keep yourself busy?
Since I live in a rural area, restrictions on going out were not so strict, so there is no particular change for me. It is my pattern that I do not perform drawing activities from April to June each year - and that has remained the same this year.
Have you learnt any new skills during lockdown?
I have made a long-term female friend from Indonesia who i was introduced to by my father's cousin. I was doing drawings about North and South Korea, but this has now moved on to Indonesia. I have heard stories about this place and seen a few images, but the drawings come from my imagination.
Is there anything that you are currently missing doing that you are not able to do because of lockdown?
Nothing special, no.
Norimitsu Kokubo, Untitled (1)
How does it feel when your work is exhibited and you see photographs of it or see it yourself in person?
Usually, I don’t like to see my works exhibited.
Kokubo’s father explained that the reason for this is that he notices things he forgot to add, or notices areas where he could have done the colour better, which makes him annoyed and leaves him feeling regretful. But he does like to talk about his art at events and has wanted to do this more recently.
Where would you like to see your work exhibited if you had a choice?
I have no desire to become famous, but I am happy that other people see my work.
Can you tell us about the themes and ideas that we see featured in your works?
As I said before, the new themese are around Indonesia, based on this new friendship I have made.
Norimitsu Kokubo, Untitled (3)