Seitaro Yamazaki is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '22

Seitaro Yamazaki attempts to cohabit ”time” as a “bundle of possibilities” through his art. His works present what emerges on the boundaries of various “times.” They provoke a reconsideration of the things we tend to perceive as absolute entities, such as society, materiality, time, desire, and consumption. The textures and symbolism of all the materials used in his works, contain a distinctive flow of time.

Combining various mediums of material in a single work creates multiple “time axes” to exist simultaneously. And when the flow of “time” in these materials coexist in a single work, we learn that every second of “time” in this world has its own story and nature, and whether humans are able to work with it. When multiple “times” appear before us as “bundles of possibilities,” we also see a new “time” coming into play as a larger narrative.These stories are tales of new possibilities buried under the illusion of absoluteness of our society.

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 have worked in various fields of expression. I was a stage actor in my childhood, and then became an art director and designer in my business career. I also worked as a creative advisor at the Tokyo2020 Olympics and Paralympics. As I experienced different fields of creativity, I began to search for deeper creation and led me to pursuit art. There are many types of creativity, but expression has been my big identity since childhood.

How would you describe your artistic approach?

My artistic approach is personal and physical. The story of the work begins to move from the moment the concept meets the material. That's why curiosity is so important. Through various experiences, such as going to a new place, meeting a new person and being exposed to new values and concepts, ambiguous concepts will take root in the form of works. Just as a script meets actors and the curtain rises on the stage, I make my work as if I were directing one stage.

And how about what inspires you?

What inspires me all the time is the existence of "nature" that contains time. Japan has had the idea of believing in the "eight million gods" in nature since ancient times and we see a sense of beauty and awe for nature. Born and raised in Japan, I think of nature as an absolute existence that I cannot control. This is why I have been facing nature through many years of training in flower arrangement and ink painting, and seeking how to relate time and nature and how to capture them in my work.

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

My biggest challenge is to pursue a timeless universal beauty. I doubt relative values and try to seek the absolute from the relative values. This is a very difficult challenge yet a goal that I will continue to pursue as an artist.

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

Every morning, I take a bath and dip my head under waters. By doing so and blocking the air, I can hear my body’s voice for the day. I usually go to the studio at a fixed time every morning and decide whether I want to think or move my hands and work. On working days, I don’t communicate with anyone and work silently while listening to music with headphones. I basically avoid getting involved with people. It is very important for me to eliminate the existence of words while working.

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’m interested in various forms of expression. I tend to lose interest quickly, so it’s quite likely that I will experiment new ways of expression. I'm currently interested in digital fabrication and organic matters. I’m also interested in the techniques used to make traditional Japanese sweets.

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

I am currently working on releasing my new sculpture series, "Fossils from the Future". It will begin with an online solo exhibition, and then a gallery solo exhibition in New York. Because of the fragility and nature of the material, the sculpture easily degrades during transportation. I see this as part of the work, as the degrading process is a consumption of art itself. I would like this series to travel around as many cities as possible and have it consumed with you.

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

I feel extremely happy. I'm glad to be recognized as an artist, and I’m very excited to be able to share my works and concepts with people around the world.


Anything else you want to add?

I’m looking forward to meeting and exchanging values and artistic creations from people around the world. I am more than delighted to get to know you. Please feel free to contact me!

See more of Seitaro’s work

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