[ARTIST SPOTLIGHT] Hiroya Kurata

To mark the launch of our latest art exhibition "It's Cozy Inside" Nepenthes NY set up an Artist Spotlight to delve further into the work showcased at the store.

In this special series, we interview the artists involved with the show. We ask them questions about their art, the exhibition, and what New York means to them. 

The third artist featured in the "It's Cozy Inside" Artist Spotlight is Hiroya Kurata.  The interview continues below.

 

Please tell us a bit about your background. Where are you from? When did you come to New York? What does New York mean to you?

I’m from Tokyo Japan.  I came to New York in the summer of 1999 for College. I live in Brooklyn with my wife and 2 kids.  I feel like New York is slowly becoming my home since I’ve spent more time here than anywhere, but I also feel like I’ll forever be a visitor here. 

 

Please tell us a bit about your process. Why this medium? How do you choose our subjects? Is there an overarching theme in your work?

I work on oil paint over canvas / paper. I get inspired by photo, nature, memory.  My work tends to have baseball players and girls, but that's not a must.  I try not to limit my subject matter. 

 

 

Please tell us how you became involved with this group exhibition.

My friend Koichi Sato invited me to be part of this group show. 

 

 

What does family mean to you? How does this influence your work?

I spend a lot of time with my family so it naturally comes out in my subject.  I’m not sure what it means but it’s inspiring to observe the changes of kids growing up. 

 

 

In your opinion, what is the role of the artist in today’s society?

I think many artists are artists less for the society, but more for themselves. Great artists are needed for society and culture to appreciate or applaud our human stupidity.  

 

 

The "It's Cozy Inside" exhibition is currently showing at Nepenthes NY, and will run through the end of March 2021.