TUJ Art Kevin Hirano is a graphic designer and photographer who is currently residing in Tokyo, Japan. The key themes that revolve around his work include abstractionism and minimalism. Using these themes, Kevin’s main goal is to create works that provide impact and a diverse array of interpretations/perceptions. His main purpose in pursuing his artistic career is to create works that express his simplistic personality and interests varying with different forms.
Artworks (Photography)
ABS004, 2022
Inkjet Print
21.7 x 29.7 cm
F001, 2023
Inkjet Print
21.7 x 29.7 cm
IB002, 2022
Inkjet Print
21.7 x 29.7 cm
AL001, 2022
Inkjet Print
21.7 x 29.7 cm
Artworks (Graphic Design)
Zine ABS, 2024
Inkjet Print
19.0 x 16.2 cm
Collage001, 2022
Inkjet Print
28.6 x 36.5 cm
VOGA Concept Brand Manual 1, 2023
Inkjet Print
16.2 x 29.4 cm
Vinyl Concept Design 1 (F), 2023
Inkjet Print
16.0 x 22.3 cm
Vinyl Concept Design 1 (B), 2023
Inkjet Print
16.0 x 22.3 cm
Artist Statement
As an artist that pursues both graphic design and photography, I would like to pursue this career to the extent of my possibilities. Being an artist is what allows me to work in a profession that I truly enjoy, working with different companies, groups, and individuals. Receiving commissions and creating works that reflect my masteries, as well as creating a bond between one another is what I strive to achieve as a future artist.
In order to become an artist, practicing and understanding the importance of Karate helped me build the foundations necessary to pursue my career. At the start of my Karate journey, I was the type of student that was anxious to leave my parents. For the first few weeks, I had always struggled to join the class with the other students. However, with the help of my welcoming Karate instructor, he was able to discipline me to become stronger as a person. As I progressed, I have also learned the significance of patience and virtue, greatly helping me in my future endeavors. Attaining these two qualities through my ten year progression guided me in achieving one of my greatest achievements of receiving a black belt. Not only did it help me reach my goal in Karate, it would also help in my future career as an artist since perseverance and patience are the most important factors in succeeding in life.
The expectations that I have for my artwork is to provide an impact to the views with simple design elements, as well as abstract forms of art. I am an artist that pursues the concept of minimalism, or simplistic design elements using geometric shapes, lines, etc. For most of my artworks, I limit the colors I use to a maximum of three colors to create a sense of uniformity and balance. As for my preference, I explore the field of both Graphic Design and Photography to express my passion for a minimalistic approach. One function that I would like my artwork to perform is having multiple ways to interpret art. This can be done through my works that pursue the principles of both abstractism. When an artwork is considered abstract, the viewers looking at my work can have multiple conclusions or perspectives about the design. Depending on their views, they could also envision an image, symbol, or motif that is only visible to them based on their beliefs/opinions.
Thirty years from now, since I would envision having more freedom and time from clients, I would like to create works that follow the notions that I have previously mentioned about creating works of art that can have different significances/interpretations which impacts society in some way. I would like to create works that set examples to society/education of the freedom that art can provide people with. I would like to demonstrate this using graphic design and photography, or even by mixing both (multimedia). However, using some other types of mediums such as painting, also fascinates me as well. Utilizing texture that brush strokes give and the hands-on approach can be an experimental method that I can approach in creating works that impact society.
Currently, I am about to graduate from college to receive my Bachelor’s degree in arts. I am currently looking to learn various art techniques that would make my designs more appealing and impactful. Improving my photographic skill is also something that I am planning to accomplish as well since I could combine both photography and graphic design into my artworks. At the same time, I will be looking for a job that I could pursue my career in. More specifically, being able to work in a graphic design-related field would allow me to improve as an adult and an artist. It would help me learn about the working environment and how society functions once you graduate. Since I have been in school up until this point, the only knowledge I have is how the educational system works. So, the environment outside of school is very foreign to me. Although advancing from this current position is challenging, it would lead me to being successful as an artist in the future.