We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Minami Matsumoto. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Minami below.

Hi Minami, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve had the pleasure of being involved with was the “Purple Stocking Exhibition.” During my studies in Art History at Sophia University, and as an extension of our seminar class, I initiated a collective of feminist artists among my peers. We aimed to curate exhibitions that reflected the vibrant discussions from our classroom. My first foray into organising an exhibition was both a challenge and an immensely rewarding experience.

I discovered how art could serve as a powerful medium for building community and offering artists, who often experience solitude in their individual creative processes, a platform to share their work with the public. My classmates’ sheer joy and appreciation for having their art showcased for the first time was incredibly fulfilling.

This endeavour ignited my passion for fine arts and curation, prompting me to pursue further studies abroad. It led me to a year at Parsons School of Design, where I was fully immersed in a creative environment and engaged with a vibrant, diverse art community. This experience was pivotal, reinforcing my belief in the unifying power of art and its potential to evoke change and inspire collective experiences.

Minami, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, I’m Minami Matsumoto, born and raised in Singapore and now a Japanese artist completing my final year of undergraduate studies in Tokyo. My work blends the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy, which finds beauty in imperfection, with memories of Singapore’s tropical landscapes. My art seeks to capture the ephemeral beauty surrounding us.

My commitment to oil painting was recognised with the Gakuten Japan Student Art & Design National Award, leading to exhibitions at the National Art Centre in Tokyo and New York’s Salmagundi Club. Additionally, my artistic journey has also been highlighted on Tokyo TV.

From a young age, under the influence of my grandfather, who cherished collecting Japanese crafts, I was introduced into the world of art. During my visits to Japan on holidays, he would take me to numerous art museums, introduce me to magnificent artworks, and encourage me to explore various mediums. It was during my high school years that oil painting captured my heart. Furthermore, a camera gifted by my grandmother became instrumental in refining my grasp of composition and lighting, sharpening my observational skills.

One of my most cherished achievements was the opportunity to exhibit at the Salmagundi Club as part of a Parsons project. This exhibition was especially memorable for me because it featured one of my deeply personal artworks, the ‘Tropical Maze’ series, which I initiated in 2019. Displaying this piece at such a prestigious venue allowed me to share a crucial part of my artistic journey, deeply rooted in the principles of wabi-sabi. Despite the logistical challenges involved, the experience of presenting my work and receiving insightful feedback was immensely satisfying and served as a testament to the evolution of my craft.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

At 14, my first solo trip was a glacier hike in Switzerland, a pivotal experience that ignited my love for adventure and shaped my independence. Coming from the tropical warmth of Singapore to the cold, snowy mountains of Switzerland was a stark contrast. This adventure was not just about embracing a new culture and language while I was still learning English; it was about stepping out of my comfort zone.

Facing challenges, from adapting to the cold weather to mastering hiking gear, taught me resilience. Despite struggling to keep up at times, reaching the summit was a profound achievement. This experience didn’t just leave me with memories of breathtaking views; it showed me what I’m capable of achieving with determination.

Returning to Singapore, this trip sparked a new passion within me. Eager for more adventures, I soon took my scuba diving license, drawn by the allure of exploring the tropical islands around in South East Asia. Both climbing and scuba diving allowed me to enjoy stunning sceneries and face the immense scale of nature, highlighting human vulnerability.

This profound realisation of our place in the natural world has deeply influenced my art. In my paintings, I explore themes of nature and plants, intertwining them with reflections on vulnerability. These experiences, from towering mountains to the depths of the sea, serve as a poignant reminder of my resilience and capacity to face challenges. They’ve become a source of inspiration, shaping my approach to life, my adventures, and the art I create.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most fulfilling part of being an artist, for me, is how it enriches my view of the world. It’s like having a lens that zooms in on the subtle intricacies of life, helping me appreciate the finer details and how things relate to each other. Whether I’m capturing life through my camera while roaming the streets or using my phone to hold onto memories while traveling, I’m always in observation mode. But this goes beyond just seeing; it deeply influences my interactions with people too. Being observant has made me a better listener, attuned to the nuances in conversations and the slight shifts in someone’s expressions or emotions. It’s this connection, this ability to engage deeply with my environment and the people in it, that stands out as the most rewarding aspect of my artistic journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://minamimatsu222.wixsite.com/artportfolio
• Instagram: minami.art.222
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minami-masumoto

Image Credits
Minami Matsumoto