Interview: Opulently Designed Artworks Connecting Western and Eastern Civilizations

Naomi Okubo’s creations present a distinctive fusion of realism and surrealism, crafting elaborate scenes adorned with intricate patterns and textures. Her artworks draw audiences into a carefully fashioned realm, where faceless beings are frequently wrapped in vibrant settings. These figures, clad in decorative attire, reflect both personal and collective narratives related to conformity and identity.

Okubo’s art often highlights women as pivotal characters, who, though without facial features, act as reflections for viewers to recognize their own journeys. Her work transforms as she progresses, with each artwork serving as a form of self-exploration and a wider critique of social interactions. Her interest in confined spaces, like greenhouses, emphasizes themes of safety versus limitation, echoing her own background and modern experiences.

Okubo intertwines various cultural aspects within her art. Raised amidst a blend of Japanese and Western cultures, she skillfully mixes varied patterns and hues into her artworks. Her method involves crafting detailed images in Photoshop before transferring them onto canvas, guaranteeing a precise visual story infused with significance.

A fundamental aspect of Okubo’s artistic ideology is the interpretative liberty she grants her audience. She champions the significance of individual interpretation, enabling viewers to extract their meanings from her creations.

Alongside forthcoming exhibitions in Taipei and Toronto, which aim to explore her thematic passions further, Okubo persists in examining the connection between personal stories and broader societal matters. Consequently, her artworks stand as a testament to the intricacies of human feelings and social norms.