Megumi Nemo
PRIMARY COLORS TO TRANSLATE OUR EMOTIONS
FIRST STEPS IN THE STREET
How did you become an artist and when did you start out on the street?
I started drawing while a student at the Tokyo University of the Arts (Jyoshibi), experimenting with a wide range of techniques such as watercolor, oil pastel, engraving, lithography, and even pottery. My first collages in Paris date back to 2014. While searching for a new way to express myself, someone suggested I try street art. I hadn't considered it at all and knew nothing about that world, but since I wanted to create large-scale pieces, it naturally aligned with my aspirations. I began with stencils and collages, bringing the images out of my small sketchbook. Head dropped, Published by Soc and Foc publishers in 2013. Since then I have been making them by hand on kraft paper. They are unique pieces.
Was it unusual for you to act illegally?
I didn't think about it because I didn't know anything about that scene. In fact, I initially thought it was allowed in France! I also made the mistake of putting up posters on the wall of a synagogue when I didn't know it was allowed. I don't think I'm doing anything wrong: many people appreciate my work, and if someone comments on me while I'm putting up posters, I stop immediately. However, I think if I lived in Japan, I wouldn't do it because I'd be caught right away. There's much more tolerance for street art in France than in Japan! Besides, this is where I came to work, and it's with the people who live here that I want to share my drawings.
Where does your particular affinity with France come from?
When I was a student, I discovered a Têtes Raides album. I really enjoyed it and wanted to travel to France to meet them. So, in 2004, I came as a tourist, and while looking for a music magazine, I came across an advertisement for one of their concerts. I loved it and thought to myself that I wanted to be able to work with them as an artist.
A WORLD THAT EVOKES CHILDHOOD
The world you're creating relates to childhood. Are you working with your own memories?
I tend to express my current situation. I mentally process phrases, words, and situations. While I'm drawing, I don't know exactly what I want to express, but in the end, I realize what I meant and what state I was in. Each story is a translation of an emotion. I always maintain the same spirit I had as a child. I also enjoy my collages, which contain private messages. For example, the bull represents the person I love.
The clock, and more generally the question of time, is a recurring motif in your drawings.
I really enjoy counting and writing numbers, whether I'm feeling uneasy, waiting for someone, or simply have nothing to do. That's why I regularly include them in my drawings. But perhaps the clock also represents the fact that I sometimes forget about the passage of time, which seems external to me.
Could you elaborate on your minimalist style and your use of color?
I don't want to draw complicated things. I prefer simple images, which are like haikus to me. By removing what isn't necessary, you can express complex emotions with simple lines. Ultramarine blue, red, yellow: I use three primary colors. I started using this ultramarine blue when I was feeling a bit sad, but since I like it so much, I continue to use it. Little by little, I started adding other colors.
CREATE ON THE WALLS
In what ways is the street a unique space for creation? What is your perspective on the ephemeral nature of collage?
Simply put, it goes well with my drawing. I've pasted it up several times on Rue des Cascades, a place I really enjoy walking through because the people are friendly. It's normal for the collage to disappear afterward; that's just part of street life. So, I'm not bothered by people taking them down after I've finished, even though it's a bit of a shame when I've spent so much time creating it. It happens, and I don't dwell on it too much. The goal isn't for it to stay up forever, but I hope as many people as possible will get to see it. If it gets damaged, I'd rather come back and clean it up and put up a new one.
Do you think Street art is an artistic movement? Do you consider yourself part of it?
Since I was raised in Japan, when I hear the word Street art I think «"bad boys"». Actually, it's not just that; all art forms are represented. Since I wasn't familiar with this practice at first, I didn't think I'd do it; so when people tell me I'm a street artist, it makes me wonder, even though I'm happy that people appreciate my work. I don't really like that term, nor "urban art." I fluctuate and balance my practice between street art, engravings, and small drawings: sometimes I don't want to paste things up outside at all. So, I wouldn't define myself as such.
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