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| © HIRAKAWA Norimichi |
Excellence Prize
GLOBAL BEARING
Interactive Art
Artist : HIRAKAWA Norimichi
(Japan)
HIRAKAWA Norimichi
Born on July 12, 1982. Entered Tama Art University, Department of Information Design in 2001. Finding possibilities of algorithmic representations of digital environment, he began to create installations in 2002. Currently belongs to Media and Art Course at the University. Won the highest award in Interactive Division of SFC Digital Art Awards 2004.
I got an idea of this work from a book of maps which I picked up at my friend's place by chance on December 3, 2003. I started making sketches of the work on that day, but I never imagined about winning an award. It was really great to receive recognitions among the works in this event which levels are getting higher and higher every year and I would be highly motivated by this in my future works. I hope many people enjoy looking at my work on this occasion.
This installation enables us to sensuously explore the "Earth" with a self-created interface. As we freely shift the object with our palms between horizontal and vertical spaces, it will take us even to the other side of the earth. This work was created with a "question for a feeling of reality" asked by the artist who finds no coincidence between "the round earth" known to everyone and "the earth under one's feet". The accelerating levels of interaction and body sensation can be experienced with "a feeling of reality" in this work.
What kind of medium did you choose for your work when the first time you were aware of your "creation"?
Pencil and paper.
And, how old were you and what did you make?
I was probably about 5 years old. I used to scrabble pictures on the back of ordering sheets that my father used for his business.
Do you have any consistent subject matter or theme through your works?
Do not create a work too subjectively, in other words, avoid having any specific messages in it, or, let viewers have latitude to absorb it.
When do you feel the connection with the technology in your creative activity?
What is the difference of the sense of Media Art from the one of traditional fine art?
It is when my work is completed, because I cannot imagine how it looks without having implemented the technology. The difference, if I may say, could be the characteristic features of interaction. The computer-mediated interaction of so-called media art is dynamic; therefore, it takes some planning to keep it from being too shallow.
How does your choice of medium affect on your works?
In another words, what kind of expression does your choice of medium allow you to make?
Anonymity. It has enabled me to express more neutrally. The work of building on algorithms is a process of using variables to change occurring events into an abstract form. Being neutral during this process helps a lot.
Do you feel that your theme of your works and the digital art will change along with the shift of the society?
I believe that they will change, because the target of my interests may change.
What kind of field you are best at in your works?
And how do your works fit within and affect on this society?
Interaction design. Programs that attract people at first sight and keep them interested. Since I refrain from having a message in my works, I cannot predict their social impact.
What is your motto?
Do not compromise.
What kind of situation in every day life do you get inspired most?
My inspiration-receiving capacity is empty when I am working on my project. I rather get inspired when I watch and listen to something I like after the project gets through the most difficult stage. Also, when I return to my hometown. And, when I hear explosive sound.
What kind of vision do you have in your future development as the creator?
I enjoy creating, so, I will keep doing it for a while. After that, eventually, I will let things happen.
Please name of the people or phenomena that you have got most influenced by as the creator.
Mikami Haruko, Yomo Sachiko, and Ichikawa Sota.
These three people taught me for three years in college. Their influences are immeasurable on conceptualization, background research for projects, methodology for establishing projects, and so on..
Childhood environment
I am what I am now, because my parents never discouraged me from doing anything, even slightly dangerous things when I was a child..
Friends
My friends, especially, those who work as "MF CRU", have a strong influence on me. They can identify the value of things regardless of their genre..
Judo
I did nothing but practicing judo during my high school days. "Do not compromise" is a word from a teacher in my judo club at junior high school. His words have not only influenced me in my creative work but also in other aspects of my life.
These three people taught me for three years in college. Their influences are immeasurable on conceptualization, background research for projects, methodology for establishing projects, and so on..
Childhood environment
I am what I am now, because my parents never discouraged me from doing anything, even slightly dangerous things when I was a child..
Friends
My friends, especially, those who work as "MF CRU", have a strong influence on me. They can identify the value of things regardless of their genre..
Judo
I did nothing but practicing judo during my high school days. "Do not compromise" is a word from a teacher in my judo club at junior high school. His words have not only influenced me in my creative work but also in other aspects of my life.
