TUJ Art Hiroki Koiso is a dancer and contemporary artist from Kanagawa, Japan, now based in Tokyo, defies societal norms to express authenticity. His journey from conforming to traditional paths to embracing hip-hop and contemporary dance reflects a quest for self-expression. Through art, Koiso addresses social issues. Inspired by others’ balance of passion and profession, he aims to integrate dance with a career in Tokyo’s IT or design industry, finding fulfillment in authenticity and creativity.
“呱々堕胎” (Kokodatai), 2024
00’45, Digital work
2381 × 3370 px
Advertisement poster incorporated with motion graphics for a dance performance
“WOD”, 2024
594 × 841 mm
Advertisement motion graphics poster for a dance performance
“AUN”, 2024
Poster design
594 × 841 mm
Advertisement poster incorporated with motion graphics for a dance performance
“照明さん” (Shoumei san), 2024
Poster incorporated with motion graphics
594 × 841 mm
Artist Statement
While many artists are driven by specific goals or dreams, I honestly find fulfillment in simply living my artistic truth. For me, art serves as a powerful outlet for emotions and frustrations, offering a means of elevating my feelings without the need for defined aspirations. In this exploration, I delve into the profound connection between art and emotional expression, highlighting how the act of creation itself can become a source of solace and inner peace.
The experiences of moving to Las Vegas for college drastically changed my perspective on societal norms and expectations, particularly those rooted in Japanese society. Initially driven by the pressure to conform to traditional paths of success, such as attending prestigious colleges, the failure to meet these expectations led me to explore alternative options abroad. In Las Vegas, I encountered a diverse array of people pursuing education and life paths at various stages, which challenged my previous beliefs about the “appropriate” timeline for success. Additionally, immersion in American culture emphasized the value of individuality and self-expression over societal conformity, contrasting with Japan’s emphasis on harmony and adherence to societal roles. Involvement in church activities further deepened my understanding of love, relationships, and personal growth. This newfound perspective resonated with my passion for freestyle dance, which celebrates authenticity and self-expression. While the impact on their artistic vision remains uncertain, the experience undeniably shaped my personality, ideas, and worldview, emphasizing the importance of living authentically and embracing individuality.
The reflects on my contrasting experiences in dance and art, revealing distinct motivations and expressions within each medium. In dance, particularly within the underground scene, I find freedom in self-expression, emphasizing joy, and communal connection over technical prowess. However, I observe a tendency in the mainstream dance scene to prioritize appearance over authenticity, leading to a loss of the true essence of the art form. In contrast, my art practice serves as a platform for addressing social issues and expressing frustration and disappointment with societal structures.
I recount a disillusioning experience as a backup dancer, highlighting the exploitation and disregard for dancers’ well-being within the industry. Despite these challenges, I find consolation in creating artwork that serves as a means of catharsis and reflection on personal experiences. While both dance and art serve as outlets for self-expression, I identify a distinction in the emotions conveyed: joy and celebration in dance, and disappointment and frustration in their artwork. Ultimately, both mediums offer a channel for me to communicate and navigate their emotions and experiences, although through different lenses and expressions.
Most of the dancers I admire lead fulfilling lives by balancing their passion for dance alongside their primary occupations. For example, there’s a chiropractor who excels in dance battles, and another individual works as a care worker at a facility for people with disabilities while also pursuing DJing, dancing, and organizing dance events. Conversations with them and observing their lifestyles have led me to reconsider pursuing dance as a full-time career. While I don’t envision sticking to my current job for the rest of my life, I also don’t wish to solely rely on dance as my primary source of income. Instead, I aspire to travel and dance with my friends around the world at least once a year. I’m particularly inspired by our crew directors, who are married dancers with additional careers in videography and writing. They manage to teach dance classes twice a week while balancing their filming or writing jobs, affording them a comfortable lifestyle with a home and garden. They also travel frequently, both domestically and internationally, often spending extended periods abroad to dance with friends. Their lifestyle is incredibly appealing to me, and I envision myself working in the IT industry or a design company that offers flexibility to work from anywhere. This would allow me to care for my family while still enjoying my passion for dance and art during my free time.
In conclusion, while numerous artists are propelled by distinct aspirations, I still find profound fulfillment in authentically living my artistic journey. For me, art isn’t about achieving specific goals or dreams; rather, it serves as a liberating outlet for channeling emotions and frustrations. This exploration has underscored the profound connection between art and emotional expression, revealing how the act of creation itself can offer comfort and inner peace.