JUNKAN Museum

I use collage and painting techniques to shine a light on discarded objects and overlooked items. My collage materials are often backgrounds from old American comic books or discarded magazine advertisements. I silk-screen my paintings, made from digitally assembled parts, onto canvas, then color over them with sprays and paints.

I began my journey as an artist about five years ago, after studying graphic design at art college and working as an art director in the advertising industry. Before I started my art activities, I worked for an advertising agency in the digital domain, where creative work had a very fast cycle. Projects were constantly being replaced every one to two weeks. I became a designer to create lasting work, but the ads I made disappeared within a week. Although creating was fun, a growing sense of discomfort made me feel consumed. This hazy feeling sparked my current art activities.

Entering the art world without much knowledge, I found my marketing background from advertising continued to be useful. I’m conscious of conveying the background and context of my work, a habit that comes from my advertising background. I want to be able to explain why I choose certain shapes and colors, ensuring my work isn’t seen as random.

In today’s society, we produce and consume at a rapid pace, creating an overabundance of things. By incorporating discarded items into my art, I believe I’m creating a new cycle—reviving the forgotten and bringing life back into the world. It’s the opposite of consumption.

Since January of last year, I’ve had a large studio, allowing me to create the large works I’ve always dreamt of. Recently, I displayed this new piece at GINZA SIX in Tokyo in June 2024, featuring paintings on about 40 large cubes. The art scene in Asia is becoming increasingly vibrant, and my goal as an artist is to create lasting works that resonate within this dynamic environment.

Artist

Hiroki Niimi

After graduating from Tama Art University, Hiroki started his career as an artist while also working as an art director in advertising, music, and fashion. His works explore the theme of today’s mass consumption society, particularly the consumption of creativity.