April 18, 2007

Heather Wagner in conversation with artist Yuichiro Nishizawa

his website is http://liminalspace.org

Yuichiro Nishizawa is a Japanese artist who has been creating work in the U.S. since 1993. His early animation has been shown internationally and in the U.S. Since 2000, he has been actively exhibiting in the U.S. He holds a BFA in Film/Animation/Video from the Rhode Island School of Design and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate and an MFA in Art and Technology from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Born out of his interest in self-reflection, Nishizawa tries to create opportunities for viewers to turn their gaze inward as they navigate through the unfamiliar. Nishizawa lives and works in New York.
(artist statement)
Our experience of the world around us is increasingly mediated by technology, full of promise and limitations. As we embrace the newness, convenience, and speed of the modern world, what are we compromising? What are we forgetting? What are we failing to observe? What are we learning? What is the effect of technology on nature, on human nature?

In my work, I seek to present an opportunity for self-reflection, to stimulate thought, and to encourage observation. I view my work as planting a seed. Whether or not the seed blossoms depends entirely upon the viewer. For some, it may flower immediately; for others, it may lie dormant for some time before springing to life; for still others, it may never blossom.

My work is only fully realized through the interaction of the viewer—with the work, with others in the space—and through the thoughts the work may provoke, the memories it may recall. My hope is to provide an experience that brings the viewer to questions, furthers their own spirit of inquiry, engages their curiosity, makes them imagine.