1. The Essence of Artistic Expression and Connecting with Others
Creative expression is never a self-contained act; it only truly becomes a "work of art" when it moves the emotions of its audience. By recognizing this shared core in both idol performances and art creation, this approach provides value that deeply resonates with people's lives in both extraordinary and everyday contexts.
2. Establishing New Value Through Blockchain Technology
Leveraging an NFT marketplace for art transactions, this initiative combines the issuance of blockchain-based digital certificates with the direct hand-delivery of physical artworks. Blending cutting-edge technology with tangible, real-world experiences builds a new foundation of trust and connection between the creator and the viewer.
3. A Future Vision Merging Analog and Digital
Moving forward, the goal is to pioneer new creative expressions that fuse the unique, physical textures of oil painting with intricate digital data. Ultimately, the aim is to evolve as a multifaceted creator who authentically expresses themselves across diverse fields, completely unbound by conventional categories like art, idols, or beauty.
I never imagined that the paintings I created as a pastime would one day be presented to society as 'works'—. Maki Hashimoto of Rain Tree, who submitted an oil painting for the joint exhibition 'Starry Sky on a Rainy Day' with students from Tokyo University of the Arts, shares her journey towards the 'unseen stars.'
──Could you tell us what led to this exhibition with the students of Tokyo University of the Arts?
Maki Hashimoto (hereafter, Hashimoto): Originally, when a staff member visited the university festival (Geisai) at Tokyo University of the Arts, the exhibition space of a student artist named 'Ame' was particularly vibrant.
She adopted a style where she personally explained the 'intent and background story' of her works to each visitor, allowing them to appreciate the art.
The staff member spoke with her on the spot, and as they shared their passion for creativity, they agreed to collaborate on an exhibition. Subsequently, Ame extended an offer to me for the project, leading to this collaboration.
──The theme of this exhibition is 'gaze,' with the title 'Starry Sky on a Rainy Day.' What does the unseen 'star' mean to you?
Hashimoto: To me, the 'star' in the title symbolizes 'the future self yet to be seen' or 'unpredictable possibilities.'
In the past, I could never have imagined that I would be exhibiting art and be in this environment. My journey so far has not been on a 'pre-designed track' but has been built through a series of encounters and challenges beyond imagination.
Therefore, I want to continue challenging unknown territories that I cannot envision at this moment. That 'unknown possibility' itself is the 'star' I aim to focus on.
──As an artist and an idol, how do you perceive the essence of 'delivering works to society'?
Hashimoto: In both art creation and idol expression activities, the fundamental commonality is that they cannot be completed solely within oneself.
The works and expressions drawn from within oneself cross boundaries to reach 'someone.' It is only when there is someone to receive them that the work is imbued with 'life.' When I create something that satisfies me alone, it remains incomplete. It is only when it reaches someone's heart and stirs emotions that it truly completes as a 'work.'
