In Focus: Raqib Shaw on his Japanese influences | White Cube

Summary

In this thoughtful reflection, the speaker discusses the deeper meaning behind wearing a kimono, given by a best friend, which represents Japanese influence in their life and artistic practice. The kimono serves as a metaphor for living artfully, where the process of creating is about embodying the character and living in the present moment. The speaker emphasizes that art isn’t about achieving perfection but about how life and creativity are intertwined, with the work being a reflection of that way of living and thinking.

Takeaways

• 😀 The protagonist consistently wears the same beautiful kimono, symbolizing the influence of Japanese culture in their life.
• 😀 The kimono was gifted to the protagonist by their best friend from college, adding a personal connection to the garment.
• 😀 The kimono acts as a metaphor for life and art, suggesting that art is an expression of living rather than a detached creation process.
• 😀 Art is viewed not just as something produced in a studio, but as a natural result of a way of living and thinking.
• 😀 The protagonist emphasizes the importance of embodying a character rather than merely acting or performing it.
• 😀 There is a focus on the concept that art should not be an attempt to achieve perfection but rather a genuine expression in the present moment.
• 😀 The protagonist discusses a mindset where the primary goal is to immerse oneself fully in the process of creation without overthinking the outcome.
• 😀 The act of making art is seen as an intrinsic part of life, with no separation between life and artistic expression.
• 😀 The protagonist rejects the conventional mentality of working towards unattainable perfection and instead values the effort and process of creating.
• 😀 The emphasis is on being present in the moment, with an authentic connection to the process of making art rather than focusing on the final product.

Q & A

What does the kimono symbolize in the protagonist's life?

The kimono symbolizes the influence of Japanese culture in the protagonist's life. It serves as a metaphor for how art and life are intertwined, reflecting a deeper philosophy about living art rather than just creating it.

Who gave the protagonist the kimono, and what significance does this hold?

The kimono was given to the protagonist by their best friend, with whom they attended college. The gift adds a personal and emotional layer to the garment, further embedding it as a significant element in their life and work.

How does the protagonist view the relationship between life and art?

The protagonist believes that art is not merely something one creates in isolation, but something that must be lived. Art should emerge naturally from how one lives and thinks, rather than being forced or conceptualized purely in a studio.

What does the protagonist mean by 'you have to live the character, you can’t just get into character'?

This phrase emphasizes the idea that one must fully embody the character or role they are portraying, rather than simply pretending or acting. The protagonist views this as integral to both art and life—living authentically and fully in the present moment.

How does the protagonist approach the concept of perfection in their work?

The protagonist acknowledges that perfection is unattainable but believes in striving toward it. This mindset reflects an ongoing effort, where the process itself is important, even if the end result isn't flawless.

What role does the 'present moment' play in the protagonist's creative process?

The protagonist stresses the importance of focusing entirely on the present moment during the creation of art. This allows them to be fully immersed in the process, without being distracted by external thoughts or concerns about perfection.

How does the protagonist distinguish between creating art and simply thinking about it?

For the protagonist, creating art goes beyond the intellectual exercise of thinking about it. Art is a way of living and thinking, where the act of creation becomes a natural extension of one’s existence, rather than a separate task to be performed.

What is the significance of the kimono being a metaphor for Japanese influence?

The kimono as a metaphor for Japanese influence suggests that the protagonist's approach to life and art is shaped by Eastern philosophies, which emphasize the integration of life and art as well as a mindfulness in the present moment.

Why does the protagonist believe that 'art has to be your life'?

The protagonist believes that art is not just an external product, but a reflection of one's way of living. They see life and art as inseparable, where the act of living itself is a form of creation.

What does the protagonist mean by the statement 'paintings are a result of a way of living, of a way of thinking'?

This statement conveys that the protagonist views paintings as a manifestation of their thoughts, values, and lifestyle. The process of creating art is less about achieving a particular outcome and more about expressing a holistic way of thinking and being.