We’re thrilled to be presenting an interview conducted with Singulart artist Annco Miura at the recent ‘Japan in Paris’ exhibition she was featured in. It was held at Galerie Métanoïa by The Far East Arts Association from June 28th-July 3rd. We stopped by to hear about the Japanese artist’s creative beginnings, her move to Paris and how she uses art to travel beyond the five senses…
Hi, Annco! Could you tell us a little about this exhibition?
Sure! I’m presenting one large painting today – L’invitation au voyage. The coordinator of this ‘Japan in Paris’ exhibition is a friend of mine, and I’ve worked with him before. He mentioned that he was preparing a group exhibition, and the prospect really interested me. I’m so glad to be participating.
You’ve said that your art accesses a place between the fifth and sixth senses. What do you mean by this?
Well, we have five senses, which we can all feel and measure and so on. But while we can’t feel six senses, we can feel the existence of something in between. It’s like air; you can’t see or feel it, but you know it’s there. That’s what it’s like with my art. There are all these different feelings and sensations communicated through the paintings that we can’t really name or tangibly access. But they’re there.
How did you start your career in art?
I first started to learn about art because of my aunt, who was a professional Japanese calligraphist. She began to teach me different skills; it was all very natural to me.
Why did you move to Paris, and how has it impacted your work?
It was by accident! I just wanted to make a change in my life, and when I traveled here it just felt right. At first, I couldn’t speak French and I didn’t have any friends!
When I was in Japan, I almost exclusively used black, white and red, in line with a traditional calligraphy-inspired style. When I moved to Paris, however, I started to use more colors. Nonetheless, I continue to take a very meticulous, delicate approach to my work, which is very Japanese. I’m very careful in choosing every element and creating intricate artworks.
What is the most difficult aspect of the creative process?
The hardest part for me is finding the right line between the idea for the work and the execution of it. In order to fulfill your original vision you have to take time, come back to the work, etc.
And what’s the most rewarding part?
For me, every part is rewarding and interesting. It’s like a recipe: you choose your food, you cut and prepare, you find your flavors, and mix it all together!
