"I strongly feel the power of colors, especially when combined. Since there are infinite combinations, I want to convey their power each time."
Saiko Otake, who lived amidst the slow flow of time in Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture, developed her interest in nature. From a young age, she frequently visited her father's hometown Tokyo growing up influenced by both the city and the countryside. Learning the joy of drawing and crafting from her artist father, she naturally acquired a rich sensibility and expressive ability.
In 2016, she went to study graphic design at St. Martin's in London, expanding her perspective. Having lived in Uwajima, Tokyo, and London, her works, characterized by painting, drawing, collage, and photography, reflect her refined sensibilities. With rich colors and bold compositions, her art conveys a unique perspective and meticulous attention to motif details.
Sato Gallery hosts Saiko Otake's first solo exhibition in Europe, "COLOURIDER," starting from January 25. The exhibition will feature new acrylic paintings, works consisting of two photographs presented in 2022, and a collection of photographs she has been creating since her time in London. Saiko, believing in the power and charm of colors, invites viewers to experience the "power of color" and the "artistry of composition."
Describing her own work as "collecting," Saiko has a lifelong passion for photography. During her one-month stay in Europe, including London, Rotterdam, and Paris, she plans to continue her collection. An interview was conducted just before her departure.
(Saiko Otake by ©︎Yusaku Aoki)
AN: Was art always close to you from a young age?
SO: I think I became interested in creating from experiences like making cards and building houses with my father, painting oil paintings, and creating models with cardboard. From a young age, I would draw people in sketchbooks and draw from magazines.
AN: By the way, what influence did your father, Shinro Otake, have on you?
SO: Not only in art but also in things like people, music, and books, my father would introduce me to interesting things, so I think his influence was significant in sparking my interests. One of those influences is psychedelic art.
AN: What attracted you to psychedelic art?
SO: The color schemes of posters, typography, and the impact of colors. Psychedelic art is often associated with the '60s and I am drawn to the fluorescent colors of that era and the unique combinations of colors.
AN: Rich colors are also a feature of your artworks.
SO: I strongly feel the power of colors, especially when combined. Since there are infinite combinations, I want to convey their power each time. When creating, I always decide on the size and quantity based on the exhibition space, sketch the composition in a sketchbook, and then work on several canvases simultaneously while considering the balance of colors. Deciding on the colors is a challenging and mentally intensive task.
I am drawn to the strength and gentle aspects of women. While drawing, I feel empowered and have a sense of being watched over.
AN: Why do you have many artworks featuring female motifs?
SO: It's partly because I am a woman myself, and I am drawn to the strength and gentle aspects of women. While drawing, I feel empowered and have a sense of being watched over.
AN: Your compositions and arrangements are exquisite.
SO: Since childhood, I have always wanted to be someone who makes posters. Even now, my awareness of arranging patterns and colors is closer to my admiration for posters than traditional painting.
AN: Does the expression of combining things relate to your major in graphic design at St. Martin's in London?
SO: One of the projects I have been consistently working on is a series of photographic works. It involves combining two completely different photos to create a sense of blurring the boundaries of time, place, and color. I have turned this into books, with three self-published books for my graduation project and a total of 15 books by 2022. For this exhibition, I combined photos taken in foreign countries on the left and Japan on the right, under the theme of overseas and Japan. Each photo was taken by collecting things inspired by everyday landscapes. Regarding layout, I am conscious of arranging them by balancing colors and shapes. I think this perspective is somewhat related to my attitude toward graphic design.
AN: What inspires you, and where do you draw inspiration from?
SO: I often collect vintage magazines and fashion magazines. I reference the form and posing of women. As for places, I am inspired by old stationery stores, vintage shops and markets with various items. I am also interested in old things and things that have been preserved for a long time. I always visit museums for that reason.
AN: After the Sato Gallery exhibition, you plan to visit Paris and London.
SO: In Paris, I definitely want to visit HALLE SAINT PIERRE, a museum specializing in outsider art. I always visit this museum when I am in Paris.
While seeing works by artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Matisse is important and something I want to do, I also want to see things that pique my curiosity and react to them, not just famous ones. I want to face various things with curiosity. Even signs and litter are important because foreign countries have unique colors that Japan doesn't have.
