Suddenly, you notice how beautiful it is, and every problem goes away because it’s a transformation that keeps you focused on this…”
Tsuji chose the people he chose to portray at work and sought topics to which he had an emotional connection. “I realized that everyone I wanted to do imagined childhood or life suffering, but figured it out and did amazing things,” he said. He obsessedly studied biography and pores on his subject and on every available photo, article and documentary. The final work is based not on a single moment, but on Tsuji’s general impression, derived from the story of his subject. He struggles to capture a face, and then distorts joy, sorrow or anger, suggesting the complex inner life of his subject. His portrait explores the power and vulnerability of coexistence among great leaders and great artists.
While investigating the pain of his subjects, Tsuji tries to relieve some of his anxiety. His art has become his personal healing. “My childhood was tough, always painful inside and in my mind, and always trying to figure out what was going on and how to heal it. My subjects had these problems, too.” “When I created portraits, I could heal myself, and also try to heal the person who was making it.”
He said that when his audience was attracted to one of the works, their anxiety seemed to disappear. If the big fanfare of the LA art show is any sign, then together showcases multiple portraits that impress. Tsuji said on the phone, on his next work at Burbank Studio, that his dream was to exhibit with a room full of rooms. “You know when you see something beautiful, your brain changes.” “Suddenly, you notice the beauty of it, and every problem goes away because it’s a transformation that gets you focused on it… It’s part of my goal, changing people’s consciousness. In that sense, my work is healing for everyone. I think.
Kazu Hiro often exhibits his work at Copro Gallery in Santa Monica, California.
This article originally appeared in Hi-Fructose Issue 35, and the issue is sold out. Subscribe and get the latest issue here!
