Famous for using his own hands as painting tool, Japanese artist Ryo Matsuoka counts beer as his vice (and shy away from being photograph if possible). On his second visit to Hong Kong in the decade, his baby girl and wife are his remedies to keep him working throughout the night in the boutique. Matsuoka’s work includes wall-painting, embroidery, illustration, interior decoration, ceramics, fashion, live performance and many more. The artist collaborated with Yohji Yamamoto, L’Eclaireur (Paris), Sai-so (Berlin), also set up a kid’s workshop in Isetan previously.
Painting takes Matsuoka to brand new territories and friends, just like life. The theme ‘Play Pray Paint’ is also how his friends would describe the artist. Art itself is a reverent subject. The lines and shapes in Matsuoka’s work are evident of his daily life, which could interpret as abstract shapes like flowers or firework. Equally passionate about words, he believes in picture being merely another format of the same expressions. His blog is covered with endless thoughts ─ 5th August 2009, light porridge, Tsangdao beer, street in rainy sunset, day dream of home town. Captured under Matsuoka’s finger tips, colourful impressions are made visible.
Text: Carmen Lee | Translation: dilettante
Photo: Chan Kin Wai
Update: 14 Aug 2009
