kenjonson is a colectivo futurist

  • Kenjonson
  • Visual Artist
  • London via Tokyo
Our Colectivo Futurist section has so far shared the works of illustrators, photographers, and graphic designers; but this month’s feature is perhaps one of our most special yet. We introduce you to the paper-cutting works of Japanese artist Davide Kenjoh aka Kenjonson. Now based in London, Davide’s interest for this unique technique began when working as an assistant for a book project about Kamon, the Japanese artform of creating paper based logos or symbols to represent individuals or families. His art is quite a personal affair and in his words one that serves as a relaxation technique to take his mind off the daily troubles; and while looking at it online might already cause some awe, it’s when seeing the works from up close that you really get a sense of how special they are.

kenjonson-portrait

CF: who is Kenjonson? how would you define yourself as an artist?

I can probably say my artwork doesn’t feel like artwork for me. more than art, it’s really more of a personal diary, a way of meditating, or like a method of self-dialogue. Actually, I would love to bring my works to a doctor or a psychologist one day, maybe he or she can figure out what it all means!

CF: tell us a bit about your art. how did it all begin and what were you early influences? why have you chosen paper cutting as a means to express your ideas?

I got involved in the process of making a book 5 years ago. The book is about how to make the Japanese symbols known as “kamon” by cutting paper. I was cutting samples for a photo shoot. After the project finished, I realized that the time spent cutting paper was very comfortable and healthy for me. So I started cutting paper and creating my own artworks.

“I would love to bring my works to a psychologist one day, maybe they can figure out what it means!”

CF: what is the arts scene like in Japan? there’s obviously a big focus on graphic and industrial design, but what about other art-forms such as yours?

I must say I don’t know the Japanese art scene very well. I guess Japan has lot of potential artists (also lots of art students), but perhaps Japan alone is not a big enough market for art. I actually know quite a few artists, but it’s very difficult to survive by doing only art. I would like to be able to change this…

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CF: if you could soundtrack your work, what would you choose?

Here’s a few examples for you to listen to, otherwise you can find me listening to radio…

CF: what is your favorite thing about living in London?

Cafes in the morning and pubs at night!

CF: how would you like to see your art evolve in the future? are there any other techniques or formats you would like to explore further?

I am very happy as long as I can keep cutting, I want to try cutting on bigger pieces of paper one day soon.

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