Member Profile - Naoya Inose
Naoya Inose in his studio at Hotel Elephant
Naoya Inose is a contemporary artist and Hotel Elephant member, we recently visited him in his studio in SE1 and was treated to a behind the scenes glimpse of his workspace.
Naoya graduated in 2012 from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, where he specialised in Oil Painting, and received his MA at UAL Chelsea College of Art And Design in 2017. His works have been exhibited in museums and collections including the National Art Center Tokyo and Takamatsu City Museum of Art, Takahashi Collection and at the Benetton Foundation.
Naoya’s work explores the tension between the natural world and its grasping appropriation by human influence. He uses oil painting techniques to create both meticulously realistic landscapes and abstract oil paintings on canvas. His works of art make us question our relationship with and understanding of nature. Naoya also creates a debate on the role of original masterpieces and how this has changed in the contemporary, postmodern world.
Where do you see, or hope, your work might be leading you to in the future?
Well, I don’t really know to be honest. I just know I am trying my best all the time. It hasn’t changed, even in the past when I was younger I would aspire to excel at whatever I was doing. And life is unpredictable so I am trying to be like water … just following natural timing.
How does London feature into your work?
Life in London is really tough, to be honest. Basically, I feel like I’m a real minority here and very alone. But, on the other hand, this makes me more hungry and gives me more motivation to paint.
And Hotel Elephant?
I’m very happy to use this studio and appreciate this organization. It’s very central in London so I can go everywhere anytime whenever I need to.
Some humdrum advice?
Being a painter is like being an athlete for me. I need to do lot of training everyday, on my work, so I don’t go out that much, don’t drink, I just focus on my art works.
One more enlightened piece of advice?
Just do it. And be positive when you do.
https://www.naoyainose.com
Upcoming exhibition:
The Post-Anthropocene by Naoya Inose
3rd October - 1st November 2019
13/14 Cornwall Terrace, Outer Circle (entrance facing Regent's Park), London NW1 4QP