Hidetaka Suzuki is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '21.

Many of the objects in Hidetaka Suzuki’s paintings are seemingly obvious depictions at first glance, but they are in fact detached from their original context. By doing so, they take on multiple meanings – and refuse to be pigeonholed, depriving the viewer of certainty. It blurs the boundary between what we experience as reality and what we imagine as fiction, asking us to question the truthfulness of what we see.

ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.

How did you get started as an artist?

I love to draw and have wanted to make it my profession since I was a child. I think I was especially influenced by the paintings of Claude Monet that I saw when I was little.

How would you describe your artistic approach?

Through my paintings, I attempt to prolong the life of images being consumed. In the massive flow of visual information, some are worth stopping and thinking about what they are. I want to be able to remember that there was a human activity behind them, even if those images eventually all disappear.

And how about what inspires you?

The small discomfort of everyday life.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?

It is to continue the inescapable trial and error of painting.

Describe a typical day in the studio or wherever you make your work.

I seek out most of my motifs from outside of me, such as the Internet. This is because I want to incorporate otherness into my creative process, and this is where I spend most of my time. From there, it does not take much time to turn them into paintings. I paint directly without any drafts.

Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?

I used to paint portraits, and now I want to paint them again. The idea I have now is to paint someone who is nobody.

What are you currently working on? Or an upcoming project you want to mention?

I'm working on an exciting group exhibition in the UK. After that, I'll be preparing for a solo exhibition based on a certain theme.

How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?

I am very happy because this is a competition that I have been paying attention to for a long time. I really hope that as many people as possible from overseas will know about it.

See more of Hidetaka’s work

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